COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR SAN BENITO COUNTY

The Community Foundation offers an annual grant cycle for nonprofit organizations providing services in San Benito County. Grant applications are considered for the following project areas:
Agriculture Preservation - Supporting programs which sustain our robust farmland, and promoting our agriculture community
•Environment - Supporting programs which promote the best environmental practices for the well-being of our community
•Arts & Culture - Supporting new and traditional forms of visual and performing arts through education and experience
•Community Enhancement - Providing an enduring impact through the civic and historical aspects of community life
•Economic Development - Supporting projects and initiatives that lead to economic growth and prosperity for the community
•Education & Youth - Supporting programs which enhance learning and impact knowledge, skills, and attitudes
•Health & Social Services - Improving health and providing for basic needs and social service programs

The Community Foundation oversees a number of Scholarship funds that provide financial assistance to graduating high school seniors seeking to continue their education at community colleges, state colleges, and universities. Scholarships are also available for trade schools.

Each year, the Community Foundation for San Benito County proudly celebrates National Philanthropy Day. Approximately 45 local community volunteers are honored at this event, complete with introductions of the honorees and Proclamations by representatives from San Benito County and the City of Hollister.

San Benito GIVES is a team fundraising event in San Benito County to raise financial support for participating nonprofits, advancing their mission, as well as the needs of others in our community. The event, hosted by the Community Foundation for San Benito County, benefits nonprofit organizations in our region by joining together for a pre-determined period of time, connecting donors to charitable causes they care about most.

Each participating nonprofit organization is challenged to increase their existing donor contributions and obtain new donors by boosting the level of awareness and engagement through word of mouth, social media, and organizational newsletters.

The goal of San Benito Gives is to provide a new platform of giving and build a stronger network between nonprofit organizations, donors, and San Benito County residents.

The Women's Fund Advisory Committee presents this workshop to address a need and to help women learn the tools to be in control of their financial well-being. This course is offered in a small group format and addresses the following topics:
Budgeting - How to budget, how to read a financial statement, important documents to keep, debt management and more.
Financial Planning - Investment and retirement accounts and life insurance basics.
Estate Planning - Estate planning, family trusts and asset protection.

The Community Foundation hosts executive directors of nonprofit organizations serviceing san Benito County to a quarterly breakfast meeting at a local restaurant. The format of the meeting includes an educational guest speaker, and time for each participant to share news and information about their nonprofit organization to the group.