Dear Friends,
The Community Foundation of Nevada County (COFONC) was founded with a simple but powerful mission: to connect people, resources, and ideas to build a healthy and vibrant Nevada County. In just our first full year of operations, we have seen what’s possible when vision meets action. With your support—and with the confidence of local government, nonprofit partners, and donors—we are delivering meaningful impact today while laying the groundwork for an enduring institution that will serve our community for generations.
We are making more possible—together.
Cristine Kelly
“A community foundation is where tomorrow’s dreams get the fuel they need today.”
What Makes a Community Foundation Different
Most nonprofits are built with a single focus: to run a program, deliver a service, or advance a specific cause. A community foundation holds something greater—the long-term generosity, trust, and vision of its community.
We steward donor gifts—through Donor Advised Funds (DAFs), Agency Funds (special funds established by nonprofit organizations to provide for their long-term financial sustainability), and legacy gifts—and invest them for sustainable, compounding impact across many local priorities. Our work convenes people and ideas across sectors—arts, resilience, leadership, and health— so resources flow to where they are most needed.
“We bring together the hopes and resources of many, to do what none of us could ever do alone.”
- Enduring structure: Gifts can be endowed or quasi-endowed, generating community benefit for decades.
- Donor partnership: We help donors give strategically to what they love, here at home.
- Breadth & connection: We bridge issues and organizations, amplifying impact through collaboration.
Our Impact So Far (2025 Highlights)
Raising Visibility & Building Partnerships
We launched the Discovery Salon series—three events engaging neighbors in dialog on nonprofit effectiveness and disaster readiness—with donor-focused salons slated for fall. We’ve shared COFONC’s story with Rotary, the League of Women Voters, and the local estate-planning community. Our expanded communications now reach 1,350+ subscribers with a 48% open rate and 6,000+ reads—evidence of strong community engagement.
Strengthening Local Philanthropy
Thus far in 2025, COFONC raised over $80,000 in donations alongside $40,000 in County investment. We are fully equipped to accept and manage Donor Advised Funds and Agency Funds, paving the way for sustainable, long-term growth. This fall we launch our legacy giving program, empowering neighbors to leave a lasting mark on Nevada County’s future.
Leading on Program Priorities
Center for Nonprofit Leadership (CNL) Integration: The CNL merger is underway, creating a single, strengthened hub for nonprofit training, coaching, and leadership development in our region.
Disaster Readiness Initiative (DRI): COFONC was selected for the statewide DRI cohort, unlocking $70,000 in funding to strengthen local preparedness and resilience—building on the Nevada County Relief Fund and ensuring coordinated action when we need it most.
Community Investment: In 2025, COFONC secured a $45,000 grant to pass through directly to the underserved community of the San Juan Ridge, advancing one of our founding goals of bringing new resources into Nevada County and ensuring they reach those most in need.
Financial Stability
We practice strategic realism—growth that is ambitious yet sustainable. COFONC now operates with a 10 month cash runway and a projected $500,000 operating budget for 2026. This stability enables steady, confident investment in the community’s future.
“A community foundation turns today’s generosity into tomorrow’s opportunities— planting seeds that outlive us.”
Our Pillars of Work
Through CNL, COFONC offers training, coaching, leadership development, and fiscal sponsorship for emerging initiatives — equipping local and regional nonprofits to move from survival to strategy.
As part of the statewide DRI cohort, we are developing a countywide Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) structure, strengthening coordination among government, philanthropy, and nonprofits to ensure readiness before crisis strikes.
We serve as fiscal sponsor for the Nevada County Community Leadership Institute (NCCLI), invest in local leadership, and champion initiatives that strengthen civic participation and social connection.
The Year Ahead (2026)
Grow Philanthropic Capital
- Complete our $750,000 Catalyst Fund to secure three years of operating capital.
- Expand DAFs, Agency Funds, and fiscal sponsorships to fuel community priorities.
- Target a minimum of $2.5M in assets under management by 2027, generating sustainable fee revenue.
Strengthen Nonprofits
- Fully integrate CNL as the Nevada County’s nonprofit leadership hub.
- Scale workshops, coaching, and peer-learning cohorts with a focus on pragmatic tools and shared services.
Lead in Disaster Readiness
- Build a COAD structure for Nevada County; strengthen relationships before we need them.
- Improve coordination, communications,
and ready-to-deploy resources for emergencies.
Advance Civic Leadership & Community Health
- Grow the next generation of civic leaders through NCCLI.
- In spring 2026 convene partners to align philanthropy around housing solutions, blending insight and multi-sector strategies to meet community needs.
Continue Smart, Stable Growth
- Establishing the foundation upon which a community foundation stewarding $10’s of millions can be built with confidence.
- Transition to full-time CEO leadership by 2026, adding development, communications, and operations capacity.
- Expand and diversify our Board with fundraising expertise and community perspective.
“We’re the connector, convener, and catalyst that helps our community dream big—and make it real.”
Why Invest Now
The future won’t wait. Investing in COFONC today builds permanent local resources and stronger nonprofits that will serve Nevada County for generations. Every gift made here is invested back here—multiplying its impact through stewardship, strategy, grantmaking, and partnership.
- Compounding Impact: Endowed gifts grow over time, creating durable support.
- Local Focus: Funds remain rooted in Nevada County’s own priorities.
- Leverage: We connect donors, public partners, leaders, and nonprofits so dollars go farther.
Ways to Partner
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs): A flexible locally managed home for your giving. Recommend grants on your timeline—we handle the administration and stewardship. Benefit from a single point of contact for your tax deductible contribution(s).
Agency Funds: A sustainable vehicle for nonprofits to build reserves and endowments.
Legacy & Planned Gifts: Leave a bequest or beneficiary designation to sustain Nevada County’s future.
Catalyst Fund (Operating): Fuel the Foundation’s growth—people, systems, and the capacity to serve.
Sponsorships & Strategic Initiatives: Support Discovery Salons, training cohorts, and resilience projects that strengthen the community as a whole.
Let’s start a conversation.
Email ckelly@nevcofoundation.org to explore the best vehicle for your philanthropic goals.
