About us

Placer Community Foundation is a nonprofit community corporation created by and for the people of Placer County. Our mission is to encourage philanthropy for the betterment of communities in our region. We work to be the preferred conduit for donors and professional advisors interested in establishing charitable endowments.

Local expert

We are a local organization supported and led by people from Placer County. Our board and staff are continually cultivating a deep knowledge about the issues and opportunities that shape our community. We monitor community needs and opportunities in a variety of areas, including arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services. We track the impact of the organizations and programs working to make a difference in our community. Placer Community Foundation matches acts of caring with our community's needs.

Personalized service provider

We work closely with people who give and their professional advisors to help each donor achieve his or her personal, charitable and financial goals. We offer maximum tax benefits under federal law. We help people understand the many ways of giving, and we share our knowledge of community needs and high-impact opportunities. We help individuals, families and businesses create personal legacies through named funds. We provide administrative services that ensure giving is an easy, pleasurable experience. Through our careful stewardship and endowment capabilities, we make giving powerful.

Community catalyst

We're in the business of building community. As a unique, established resource for community philanthropy, we serve donors and nonprofit agencies that are turning community resources into community good. We bring diverse voices and groups together to address local issues. We foster the development of new organizations and programs. We redirect funds as community needs change. We build permanent community capital.

Higher Standards

  The National Standards Seal by our name indicates official confirmation from the Council on Foundations that we have met the most rigorous standards in philanthropy. It affirms our commitment to financial security, transparency and accountability. It says our grantmaking includes an open, competitive process designed to address the changing needs of our community. The National Standards Seal also confirms our history of honoring donors’ wishes—to support the arts, address senior needs, preserve open space, protect animals, expand literacy, assist families in need—and support countless other important causes. 

Wonder why so many people choose to give through Placer Community Foundation? Ten reasons.

Lasting value