Irvine Deepens Investment in Growth of Placer Community Foundation

The Placer Community Foundation announced today that it was awarded a $600,000 grant from The James Irvine Foundation. This three-year grant will build on the success of Irvine’s Community Foundations Initiative II (CFI II), begun in 2005 to strengthen local philanthropy in traditionally underserved areas of the state.

Designed to help stimulate local charitable giving, the grant provides Placer Community Foundation with continued assistance through 2011. Several key areas of support include assistance for core operations to strengthen management and internal systems; regranting funds tied to the goals of Irvine’s Arts and Youth programs; and technical assistance focused on grantmaking skills, executive and board leadership development, financial sustainability, and visibility.

“This initiative is based on our belief that timely investment in a small community foundation’s internal development and external programs can make a big difference with regard to accelerating asset growth, attracting donors and reaching new levels of impact,” said James E. Canales, President and Chief Executive Officer of The James Irvine Foundation. “Placer Community Foundation has demonstrated remarkable commitment and ability to build new resources for their community. We are pleased to continue working with them toward this end.”

The announcement of expanded support comes on the heels of mid-term evaluation results that highlighted the success of the initiative in strengthening governance, sustainable growth and visibility.

Since entering CFI II in 2005, Placer Community Foundation experienced 45% growth in assets; a 19 percent increase in local grantmaking; and greater visibility and recognition within the community.

“This continued support affirms a vote of confidence by The James Irvine Foundation on the long-term impact the Community Foundation and its donors intend to have locally,” said Veronica Blake, Chief Executive Officer of Placer Community Foundation. “By funding our operations and regrant programs, we can focus on developing permanent resources for our community, while making thoughtful grants to nonprofit organizations that improve our quality of life,” she noted. “Everyone benefits tremendously from Irvine’s investment.”

To learn how the Placer Community Foundation is working to connect donors to causes that matter most in Placer County, contact us.

About The James Irvine Foundation

The James Irvine Foundation is a private, nonprofit grantmaking foundation dedicated to expanding opportunity for the people of California to participate in a vibrant, successful and inclusive society. The Foundation’s grantmaking is organized around three program areas: Arts, Youth and California Perspectives, which focuses on improving decision making on significant state issues. Since 1937 the Foundation has provided over $1 billion in grants to more than 3,000 nonprofit organizations throughout California. With current assets of over $1.8 billion, the Foundation expects to make grants of $81 million in 2008 for the people of California.

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