Inspiring stories of local generosity

Each year, people from all walks of life make generous donations to Placer Community Foundation. We use these funds to issue grants to the nonprofit organizations working to resolve pressing community needs and seize important community opportunities. Together, we’re making life better in Placer County.

We invite you to read these true stories of impact and hope. In some cases, we've changed people's names to protect their privacy.

Prospectors' gift of property benefits community

"Times change, and the Board will change, and who are we to tie the hands of tomorrow?"

– M.S. Beecher, founder, Auburn Community Foundation

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From Carmel beach house to local scholarships

Four generations of Walsh family members contributed to the growth and prosperity of Auburn. With no heirs of her own, Marian Walsh established a named scholarship fund to continue her family's legacy of investment in our community's youth.

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Savvy investments yield $2 million charitable fund

An unrestricted endowment established as a bequest by Irene Schnaus will continue to meet the changing needs of our community far into the future. Irene's legacy, marked with the same generous and savvy qualities we remember her for, meets needs from animal welfare to the arts, education and community development.

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A commitment that will last forever

Herb and Rhea Trittenbach were committed to helping their neighbors. Their unrestricted gift to the Foundation will continue to serve the region they loved forever.

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Conservationist takes preservation seriously

Helen Shuman partnered with her community foundation to turn 100 acres of property into Shuman Foundation for the Environment, a supporting organization that will benefit the environment for years to come.

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