News Releases

Next Generation Philanthropy hosts first annual grants reception

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2015

Media Contacts:

Hugh J. Ralston, President & CEO; [email protected]; 559-226-5600 x101

Rico Guerrero, Donor Relations Coordinator; [email protected]; 559-226-5600x110

Next Generation Philanthropy hosts first annual grants reception

$15,000 of donor contributions given to local organizations supporting youth entrepreneurs and revitalization of Fresno

Next Generation Philanthropy (NGP), supported by Fresno Regional Foundation (FRF), will be awarding grants to two local Community Benefit Organizations for Youth Entrepreneurial programs and Fresno Revitalization Programs.

NGP will recognize and award Junior Achievement and the Downtown Fresno Association each with a $7,500 grant at a reception at The Lime Light, 1054 West Shaw Avenue in Fresno Wednesday, June 3 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

 “I believe Next Generation Philanthropy is positioned to be the premier training program for the future generation of board members, civic leaders, and community activists in the Central Valley,” said NGP founder and member Justin Vartanian. “We recognize the contributions of past generations on our community and we are preparing to receive the baton to accept the opportunities and challenges ahead of us”.

In 2014, members of NGP selected two focuses: Youth Entrepreneurial and Fresno Revitalization. Throughout the year long membership, they met with local leaders to learn more about the work happening in and around Fresno related to the two specific focuses. Members engaged with each other in a supportive learning environment that culminated in thoughtful and informed grantmaking.

 “Every community is focusing on how the next generation can step into responsibilities and leadership, for our institutions and nonprofits especially,” noted FRF President & CEO Hugh Ralston.  “Fresno Regional Foundation is delighted to be working so closely with this committed group of local leaders, bringing the benefit of experience across a variety of business sectors.  Over the past year, these dedicated folk have been engaged in serious discussions about how their philanthropy can be an effective investment in a better future for our town.  We look forward to working with them in the coming years, and to building on this next generation of community and philanthropic leadership to advance our mission as a community foundation to strengthen and promote philanthropy.”  

These grants are made possible thanks to contribution of NGP members for the Next Generation Philanthropy Fund.

The two organizations and the funded activities are listed below:

Junior Achievement of Northern California for $7,500: JA Social Innovation Camp (SIC) is student-led event that will take place in the fall of 2015 and will serve approximately 200 Fresno Unified high school students. The SIC is a student-led experience that fosters community awareness and involvement, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Downtown Fresno Association for $7,500: Downtown Fresno restaurants located within the property and business improvement district boundaries vie for a grand prize of cash and services necessary to “makeover” their business. Restaurant Makeover aims to provide one business with tools necessary to ensure its long-term success while contributing to economic growth in downtown.

About NGP

NGP was created and is directed by young professionals along with emerging leaders living and working in the Fresno/Clovis community. Building on the FRF expertise and reputation, members establish their own approach to supporting our community.

Membership criteria includes an annual $1,000 contribution along with monthly meetings where members have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers about philanthropy and community work. In addition, members have the option to sit on a committee to learn about funding opportunities, evaluate grant proposals, and select grant recipients. 

NGP is still accepting applications for 2015-2016 membership. Interested applicants should contact Rico Guerrero at [email protected] or call 559-226-5600 x 110. The deadline to apply is Friday, June 5.

About the Fresno Regional Foundation

Founded in 1966, FRF improves the quality of life in the San Joaquin Valley through philanthropy. It serves Fresno, Madera, Merced, Mariposa, Tulare and Kings Counties.

FRF is the trusted link between donors and organization’s stewarding to your legacies and investing in permanent, high-impact initiatives for the San Joaquin Valley. The Foundation holds assets of over $62 million and awarded $1.6 million in competitive grants, and over $9.3 million in total grants in 2014. Grant priorities for the foundation include Arts and Culture, Youth, Human Services, Strengthening children ages zero to eight and their families, reducing teen pregnancy, investing in nonprofit capacity, and helping veterans. 

For more information about the Fresno Regional Foundation, please visit http://www.fresnoregfoundation.org or call 559-226-5600.

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