On Talk of the Bay, Tuesday July 21, 2020 Christine Barrington interviews Susan True, CEO of Community Foundation Santa Cruz County
Community foundations are grantmaking public charities that are dedicated to improving the lives of people in a defined local geographic area. They bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses to support effective nonprofits in their communities. Community foundations vary widely in asset size, ranging from less than $100,000 to more than $13 billion.
Our local Community Foundation started with a downpour. When a storm dropped 25 inches of rain on Santa Cruz County over three days in 1982, causing devastating flooding and mudslides, people came together to find solutions. Those looking to make donations didn’t find a central organization that would support the long-term recovery efforts — so they formed one. Forward-thinking local leaders believed in the idea of a community foundation from the start. In the aftermath of destruction, they saw a chance to create a force for good that would live on forever. They shaped the idea into a grantmaking public charity dedicated to improving the lives of Santa Cruz County residents and solving community challenges. Nearly 40 years later, the Community Foundation has evolved to become a center for solutions across Santa Cruz County. With almost $130 million in total assets, they have the resources to help charitable visions get established and grow, improve the effectiveness of the more than 500 local nonprofits, and build on the more than $90 million in local grants awarded over their history.
Community Foundation Santa Cruz County supports effective programs that address community issues and enrich the lives of Santa Cruz County residents and leverages resources toward a future that is just, equitable, and inclusive of our diverse community. Take a listen and hear how CFSCC is leading efforts to assuage the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on local businesses and vulnerable community members.
Susan True, CEO Community Foundation Santa Cruz County
