We are a public charity dedicated to improving the lives of people in Western Nevada County, including the communities of Washington, Nevada City, Grass Valley, Alta Sierra, Lake of the Pines and South County, Penn Valley, Rough and Ready and North San Juan. In addition to growing philanthropic resources, the Community Foundation acts as the “glue” that helps bind our community together, convening and facilitating conversations about big issues that no one organization can solve alone.
Our steering committee engaged in a feasibility study for a community foundation after the Nevada County Relief Fund (NCRF) public/private partnership formed to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. The six-month assessment underscored the urgency and importance of launching our first Community Foundation of Nevada County.
In 2023, COFONC received its 501(c)3 designation, and formed its first Board of Directors. In 2024, we laid the foundation on which we will build a perpetual grantmaking asset dedicated to the health and well-being of all Western Nevada County citizens.
Community Foundation Impact Report: 2025
Our Financial Model
We partner with people and nonprofits who intimately understand the needs of our community. We make real change possible by managing funds and endowments to multiply dollars and strategically benefit our community.
How it Works
Generous donors make contributions; we invest those dollars to increase the giving power of our funds, and then we distribute the earnings in the community. The power of each contribution continuously expands.
For information on how you can contribute, visit our Ways to Give page or contact us directly at (530) 205-3845 or info@nevcofoundation.org.