Napa Valley Community Foundation recognized statewide as leader
Jul 31, 2008
Also announces new board members; awards $1.25 million in grants
Napa Valley Community Foundation (NVCF) has been awarded another substantial grant from The James Irvine Foundation, one of the largest grantmaking foundations in the state, and the source of more than $1 billion in charitable distributions benefiting the people of California over the last 70 years. The three-year, $700,000 grant to NVCF comes on the heels of a $575,000 grant awarded by Irvine in 2005, as part of a broader initiative to accelerate the growth and development of nine rural community foundations in California. The grant to NVCF was the largest made by Irvine for the second phase of this initiative. Awards were based on demonstrated success in three areas: asset growth, operating stability and local grantmaking presence. “We are absolutely thrilled to be recognized and supported by the Irvine Foundation,” said NVCF President, Terence Mulligan. “In the last three years, with their assistance, we have more than tripled our distribution budget to charitable projects in Napa County. We have identified new ways for local donors to work together, pool resources and achieve greater impact,” he added. “And, we have tried hard to respond, with compassion and analytical rigor, to the key issues facing this community – in areas like education, human services, poverty, youth development, social equity, arts and the environment.”
In other news, NVCF welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors: Maria L. Cisneros and David B. Gaw. Cisneros is Principal of Valley Oak High School. Gaw is Attorney, Co-Founder, Director and Shareholder of Gaw Van Male Smith Myers & Miroglio PLC.
The Community Foundation’s Board of Directors also approved $1,251,720 in grant distributions for the six months ending June 30, 2008. Here is a sampling of distributions made:
- $77,000 to youth development projects in Calistoga and St. Helena
- $3,500 to Alternatives for Better Living, for parenting workshops and counseling sessions
- $500,000 to St. Helena Hospital Foundation, for a cogeneration power plant at St. Helena Hospital
- $9,000 to Napa Valley State Parks Association, for phase four of the Old Bale Grist Mill restoration
- $10,000 to Healthy Moms & Babies, for its nutrition program for low-income expectant mothers
About Napa Valley Community Foundation
The Community Foundation works to multiply the impact of individual givers, pooling resources and investing in charitable projects that make a difference. Since 1994, the Community Foundation has served as a bridge between philanthropic families and hard-working nonprofit agencies, bringing people, ideas and resources together to enhance the quality of life in the Napa Valley community. From American Canyon to Calistoga, the Community Foundation has distributed more than $15 million in grants in the last 14 years, and currently serves as the philanthropic partner to 100 individuals, families, nonprofit agencies and corporations in Napa Valley. It stewards nearly $23 million in philanthropic funds. To learn more, call 707.254.9565 or visit www.napavalleycf.org.
