Serving the Community

After a very protracted winter, spring is finally emerging in the Mother Lode. With the wildflowers beginning to bloom, and the fresh scent of spring in the air, Sonora Area Foundation like the seasons, begins to transition into a very busy time of year.

This seasonal transition is exciting as we work with our area high schools with the large number of community scholarships that will be awarded to graduating seniors in Tuolumne County. Along with scholarships, the Foundation Board continues to award community grants to a number of area non-profits. In addition to scholarships and grants, the Foundation works with our many Donors in targeting various needs within our community to provide grant funding assistance in helping the Donor meet their charitable goals.

Another important aspect of exciting news is that the Sonora Area Foundation now manages 173 funds. Staff has recently met with a half dozen new potential donors who are now considering opening up a fund with the Foundation. Each and every new fund provides additional opportunities in giving back to Tuolumne County.

It is also very interesting to note that the Sonora Area Foundation Financial Advisors Graystone Consulting, a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, reported that the pooled Foundation investment funds, for the trailing 12 months earned 12.54% on its investment returns. Needless to say, this is great news in despite of our current economy. Simple economics, the greater the return the more funding is available to grant out to our community.

I continue to meet with service clubs and organizations who have commented on the positive impacts of the Foundation. One gentleman recently stated, “it is nice to hear the many success stories that Sonora Area Foundation and its Donors have accomplished, despite the Global economy.” With winter now behind us, it is a very appropriate time for our community to spring forward with renewed optimism and work together to make investments in our local community. I can attest that the Sonora Area Foundation is and will continue to be committed to giving back to Tuolumne County while providing exemplary leadership in the philanthropic field.

Yes, good things are happening with Sonora Area Foundation. One conversation can change your life and the lives of others. A decision to be a donor can and will make a difference for many years to come. Sonora Area Foundation is here to serve its community.