Strategic Vision

In the spring of 2020, the Nevada County Relief Fund (NCRF) was established as western Nevada County’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. Within weeks, a public/private partnership was formed and over $1,500,000 was raised to fund small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the pandemic and later that year,  the effects of local wildfires. 

Galvanized by this extraordinary response, a Steering Committee composed of members of the NCRF’s Community Advisory Council (CAC) and diverse community leaders engaged in a feasibility study to determine whether a community foundation could be formed. The six month assessment, which included listening tours and conversations with philanthropic leaders who had undertaken similar initiatives in the past, underscored the urgency and importance of launching our first Community Foundation of Nevada County.

Phase 1- Startup (complete)

Where we’ve been:

• Formed a Board of Directors.

• Achieved 501c3 status.

• Determined a $750,000 fundraising goal to secure three years of operating funds as advised by peers.

• Secured significant seed funding:

• A three-year $250,000 investment from Nevada County, an unprecedented endorsement in our work.

• Secured an additional $245,000 towards our $750,000 goal.

Phase 2- Plan (current)

What we’re working on now:

• Developing donor services and financial management structures, staffing and program infrastructure. 

• Incorporating the Nevada County Relief Fund and merging with the Center for Nonprofit Leadership.

• Forming an Investment committee and securing local asset managers.

• Designing staffing and hire support staff.