Board approves $250,000 seed contract to launch Western Nevada County Community Foundation

The Board of Supervisors on March 26 authorized a three-year $250,000 contract with the Community Foundation of Nevada County to support launch and initial operations of a Western-county community foundation.

Christine Kelly, interim CEO, described how the foundation will build philanthropic capacity, administer the Nevada County Relief Fund, provide grantmaking and donor services and support nonprofit leadership. She said the foundation plans to match county dollars and to leverage private and philanthropic capital to scale local impact. "Community foundations create a culture of giving. They engage and mobilize donors as participants and leaders in community problem solving," Kelly said.

Supporters told the Board the foundation would help coordinate disaster relief and long-term recovery, citing examples of nearby community foundations that raised millions after major fires. The board approved the contract and the item passed by unanimous vote. County staff said the foundation will match county funds 2-to-1 and will administer the Nevada County Relief Fund and explore a Western-county disaster-coordination program.