Solano Community Foundation

Solano Community Foundation has once again passed the rigorous National Standards Compliance for U.S. Community Foundations administered by the Council on Foundations. National Standards represent the highest measure of accountability and transparency in philanthropy. We are proud to have achieved reconfirmation of these rigorous standards in donor services, investment management, grantmaking, and administration. The Community Foundations National Standards Board confirms operational excellence in six key areas—mission, structure, and governance; resource development; stewardship and accountability; grantmaking and community leadership; donor relations; and communications. Foundations that comply with these standards can display the official National Standards Seal. By supporting the Solano Community Foundation, you seek a higher standard for living in Solano County. With this national recognition, we can give you official assurance that you will receive a higher standard for giving in Solano County. Mission Statement Solano Community Foundation is dedicated to building a stronger community and enhancing the quality of life in Solano County through the support of philanthropic activities that make a deep and lasting positive impact. - As a grantmaker, we award grants and scholarships to improve the lives of Solano County residents. - As a vehicle for philanthropy, we encourage private giving for public good. - As a community leader, we inspire, educate, and cultivate a spirit of philanthropy. - To respond to changing needs, we promote community involvement and collaboration. Foundation History 1995–2000 - Committed community leaders defined their vision for the future of Solano County: to maintain quality of life & create a vehicle for local philanthropy. Received 501c3 tax-exempt status. - $300,000 start-up challenge grant from Packard Foundation, matched by 20 members of our Founders’ Club. - Launched Education Plus! Mini-Grant Program for K-12 Solano public school teachers. - 2001–2006 - Opened several large funds & received grants from Irvine ($400K) and California Endowment ($100K). - Installed new leadership, relocated offices, added Board members, and purchased an integrated accounting system. - Became a Cooperating Collection of the Foundation Center (Foundation Directory Online-FDO). United Way supported FDO training and funded an extensive capacity-building workshop series. - Assets at $4.5M, and over $1.1M in grants made from donor and re-granting funds. - Achieved “National Standards of Excellence for Community Foundations” from Council of Foundations. 2007–2009 - $2.1M received from Leslie and Virginia May Anderson Trust & $2.4M received to establish Harry and Eleanor D. Nelson Vacaville Endowment Fund. - Launched Nonprofit Partnership Program and Community Memorial Giving Program. - Expanded media presence and achieved measurable growth. 2010–2012 - Bank of America supported NPP for “Community Conversations” in Fairfield/Suisun City (2010), Vacaville (2011), and Benicia (2012). - $1.3M received for a United Way Health Fund. Cumulative permanently endowed assets topped 90%. - Improved the “bottom line,” through economies of scale. Appointed four new Board members for new energy/perspectives, hired new Program Assistants. - Reconfirmed National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations "by the Council of Foundations." - Returned to pre-recession asset value ($8M) via prudent investment and streamlined operations. 2013 - Established three new endowed funds with remainder trusts and other planned gifts to SCF. - Ended the year with over $9M under management, 95% of assets permanently endowed. - Focused NPP on Rio Vista and made two operating grants to nonprofits in the Delta. - Hosted an informal fun “Celebrate Community” event for donors, grantees, community leaders, local nonprofits and their clients. - Built internal capacity to produce all printed and Web materials for SCF’s programs. - Started providing customized on-site Board trainings bridging the most critical knowledge gaps.