April 2024

Spring is here!

Friends & Supporters:

Spring is in the air! This season of renewal brings to the Foundation fresh energy as we move forward together into 2024. Thank you for the outpouring of support following the recent honor of receiving the California State Assembly District 5 Woman of the Year award. I am truly grateful for this esteemed recognition. It brings me great joy that in 2024, two women from El Dorado County, myself and the exceptional Christa Campbell, were acknowledged at the state level.



As I reflect on my endeavors and achievements over the past 17 years, I see that I have simply fulfilled various roles, serving the needs of our community as they arose. Numerous individuals paved the way before me, and many will continue to do so after me. The strong spirit of civic leadership is one of the many qualities that enrich El Dorado County, and our involvement as individuals, businesses, parents, grandparents, animal lovers, nature enthusiasts, etc. is vital to the success of our community.

And here’s the thing, I am not in any way oblivious to the challenges in the world. I know that I will not start a kindness and giving revolution overnight. I am simply unshakeable in my belief to give what I can, where I can, the best that I can, to help change lives and impact our region. It is my honor to serve and accept this award. And good news … we’re just getting started!

"People who really want to make a difference in the world usually do it, in one way or another. And I've noticed something about the people who make a difference in the world: they hold to the unshakable conviction that individuals are extremely important, that every life matters. They get excited over one smile. They are willing to feed one stomach, educate one mind, and treat one wound. They aren't determined to revolutionize the world all at once; they're satisfied with small changes. Over time, though, the small changes add up. Sometimes they even transform cities and nations, and yes, the world" - Beth Clark 

In Community Spirit,

Amy Pooley

Executive Director

El Dorado Community Foundation 

2024 Consolidated Grant Cycle is Officially Open!

Endow El Dorado Sapling Grants

The 2024 Endow El Dorado SAPLING Grant Application is an EDCF competitive grant process. This grant is open to all nonprofits serving the residents and communities of El Dorado County who are saplings... organizations with an annual gross revenue under $175,000. Sapling organizations will be able to apply for up to $5,000 for capacity building and project/program ideas. This year, this grant is being supplemented by funds from the Pay It Forward Project, the Hernandez Family Fund, and The Joan Barsotti Memorial Fund. All Donor Advised funds are invited to support the Endow El Dorado Sapling Grants!

Friends of Seniors Grants

Friends of Seniors, a fund of the El Dorado Community Foundation, will be awarding a total of up to $15,000 in grants to El Dorado County nonprofits that support the wellness, life enrichment, dignity and independence of Seniors (60+) residing on the WESTERN slope of El Dorado County.

GIVE Tahoe Grants

The 2024 GIVE Tahoe Grant Application Process supports nonprofits who work for and within the South Lake Tahoe Area. The GIVE Tahoe Grant is open to all nonprofits, agencies and schools serving the residents and communities of South Lake Tahoe. Proposals of up to $5,000 will be considered. This grant does not have a specific focus allowing the opportunity to respond to our most important needs.

Veterans TOT Grants

The Veterans grant program is funded by El Dorado County to support operations, programs, or property improvements/repairs that support the veteran community at large. Grants are available in amounts up to $10,000. The application deadline is 11:59 pm May 16, 2024, funding will be provided September 2024. Applications are reviewed and grants awarded by the County of El Dorado Veterans' Affairs Commission. This is an annual grant!

For any questions about any of these grants,

please email Kathy Haven at kathy@eldoradocf.org.

Thank you all for the great work you do within El Dorado County!

Estate Planners, Fiduciaries, Attorneys, CPAs, Tax Advisors, and other industry partners are invited to attend the 2024 Professional Advisors Forum, a free educational event where you can earn continuing education credits (MCLE, CFP, & CPE). This year's Forum will be taking place at Serrano Country Club on the morning of Wednesday, May 8th from 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM. Breakfast will be served at 8:00 AM.

Upcoming Fundraising Events from Foundation Funds!

Interested in getting more involved with

El Dorado Community Foundation?

Consider volunteering to serve on one of the Foundation's committees. The Foundation's committees include the Finance Committee, Grants Committee, and Legacy Planning Committee. Take a look at the descriptions of each committee below to see if there is one that would be a good fit for you!

• Finance Committee - The Finance Committee meets once a month and is responsible for the fiscal integrity of the Foundation, reviews the annual budget, reviews and approves certain types of gifts, reviews and recommends investment strategies, and more. Individuals interested in serving on the Finance Committee are required to have a background in finance, accounting, financial law, or other related fields.
• Grants Committee - The Grants Committee meets as needed, typically a few times a year, and is responsible for reviewing applications for certain competitive grant cycles as well as reviewing scholarship applications. Additionally, the Site Visit Committee is a subcommittee under the Grants Committee and is responsible for visiting certain grant recipients to ensure that they have met the criteria laid out in the funding agreement for their grant. Individuals seeking to serve on the Grants Committee should have a passion for their community and a commitment to seeing grant and scholarship funding go where it will have the most significant impact.
• Legacy Planning Committee - The Legacy Planning Committee usually meets once a month and is tasked with furthering community awareness of legacy and estate planning through education to the professional advisor community and donors alike. This committee also puts on an annual educational event called the Professional Advisors Forum where members of the professional advisor community can earn continued educational credits (MCLE, CFP, CPE). Individuals interested in serving on the Legacy Planning Committee should be estate planners, attorneys, financial advisors, or a member of a related field.

Email your interest to amy@eldoradocf.org

Did you miss last month's newsletter? Check in out here!