Fresno Regional Foundation

New strategic plan and grant guidelines

Furthering the Foundation's mission to create a philanthropic culture in the Central Valley 

March 18, 2008

The Fresno Regional Foundation is proud to announce the completion of both a new strategic plan and guidelines that will make it easier for public and nonprofit community organizations to apply and receive grants.

The Fresno Regional Foundation's grant guidelines and application procedures are now available online. The guidelines reflect the Foundation's priorities in 2008. They include:

• Arts and Culture. The deadline to apply for Arts and Culture funding is May 15, 2008 at 5 p.m. A bidders' meeting is scheduled for May 1, 2008 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at United Way of Fresno County, 4949 E. Kings Canyon Road.
• Youth. The deadline to apply for Youth funding is August 7, 2008 at 5 p.m. A bidders' meeting is scheduled for July 24, 2008 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at United Way of Fresno County.
• Human Services. The deadline to apply for Human Services funding is October 9, 2008 at 5 p.m. A bidders' meeting is scheduled for September 25, 2008 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at United Way of Fresno County.

"As the Foundation has grown, so have our assets, allowing our board to grant in new ways," said Dan DeSantis, chief executive officer of Fresno Regional Foundation. "Our goal for the future of Fresno Regional Foundation is not to just grant money, but to be a true community resource, increasing our reach and creating a culture of philanthropy throughout the Central San Joaquin Valley."

Fresno Regional Foundation's 2008 competitive grants program is funded by local donors and private foundations.This year's grantmaking program is made possible through the generous support of The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, The James Irvine Foundation, Louis Gundelfinger Memorial Fund, Minnie R. Gundelfinger Fund, Fresno Metropolitan Projects Fund, Arts and Cultural Advancement Fund, Fresno Regional Foundation board members and funds donated by anonymous donors.

In addition to improving the Foundation's competitive grant program, an energized board of directors has also crafted a strategic plan that will serve as a roadmap through December 2010. The board of directors approved a detailed plan to grow the Foundation's assets and better respond to the needs of the Central San Joaquin Valley; build on a reputation for credibility, relevance, integrity and value; and become a strong community leader.

The new strategic plan and competitive grant program will ensure the Fresno Regional Foundation builds on surging momentum that has seen assets more than double, from $18 million to $40 million in the past three years. And for the first time in recent history, the Fresno Regional Foundation board of directors is at full capacity with 15 members.

About Fresno Regional Foundation

Established in 1966, Fresno Regional Foundation is anonprofit community foundation whose purpose is to bring the community together through philanthropic stewardship. It is the channel through which individuals, families, businesses, private foundations and nonprofit organizations give in order to benefit the Central San Joaquin Valley community. Collectively, the Foundation enriches the artistic, cultural and natural beauty of the region, addresses social issues and helps improve conditions through the continued support of local nonprofits and community-focused organizations.

Fresno Regional Foundation is a community foundation, a registered charitable corporation, an affiliate of the National Council on Foundations and a member of the League of California Community Foundations. 

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Media Contact

Daniel DeSantis
Chief Executive Officer
Ph: 559-226-5600

Related Link

 Fresno Regional Foundation Strategic Plan