For over 40 years, the Fresno Regional Foundation has been helping residents give back to the region they love. We are the trusted steward for charitable giving in our region.

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Dan DeSantis

Third Quarter Review:

If the first quarter is an indication of this year’s philanthropic activity, we are excited about the months ahead.  Increasingly, people are learning about the benefits of giving through the Fresno Regional Foundation.  We are working closely with financial advisors and estate planners, much to the advantage of their clients.  To quote Mayor Ashley Swearengin, “The Fresno Regional Foundation has proven itself to be the Central Valley leader in crossing new boundaries in philanthropic thinking.”   It is exciting to be a part of this movement!  

In terms of our financial performance, the first quarter highlights include our long-term investment pool return of 3.7%, adding over $550,000 to our funds. Gifts this quarter exceed $1.4 million, and the Foundation has already granted over $400,000 to worthy organizations and projects serving the needs in our community.  

I would also like to call your attention to our eNewsletter.  On a weekly basis, I try to communicate meaningful information about what we are doing.  If you would like to sign up for the eNewsletter, visit our website or give me a call.  We respect your time and privacy, so the eNewsletter is brief, sent only once per week, and we never share your email address or contact information.  

Finally, we are happy to publish our 2010 Annual Report.  Look for your copy in the mail soon. The stories and pictures are inspiring, and we hope they spark your own ideas about how your charitable intentions can transform our community and leave a legacy for which you and your family are proud.

While we cannot control the volatility of the worldwide financial markets, we are serious about taking ownership of the future of our community. Thus, we begin a new era in philanthropy with the creation of The Fund for the San Joaquin Valley.

For those of you who may have missed the Fresno Bee articles and editorial the week of October 24, 2011, The James Irvine Foundation announced a $3 million grant to the Fresno Regional Foundation. With this grant, we have created The Fund for the San Joaquin Valley.

Each year we will make substantial grants from The Fund to a few organizations who we believe can bring about positive changes for the Valley’s most critical issues. More importantly, we plan to grow The Fund into a $20 million endowment. Such a fund will be large enough to sustain annual grantmaking of at least $1 million a year forever.

I am attaching Partnering for a Stronger Valley, a speech delivered by James Canales, CEO of the James Irvine Foundation, at our 45th anniversary luncheon. It is worth reading because Jim’s comments capture so much about the challenges and hopes of our Valley.

In conclusion, all of us here at the Fresno Regional Foundation are pleased with what has been accomplished. And we are extremely confident that, with your continued support, we can fulfill our mission of improving the quality of life in the Central Valley through philanthropy, far beyond any previous expectations.

As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments.


Dan DeSantis, CEO
Fresno Regional Foundation

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Grantmaking Dates

Youth

06-Apr-2012
Youth Bidders' Meeting
Time and Location: TBD
Set-up Reminder

27-Apr-2012
OPF due for Youth Grants at 5 p.m.
Set-up Reminder

04-May-2012
Grant Application due for Youth Grants at 5 p.m.
Set-up Reminder

Human Services

13-Jul-2012
Human Services Bidders' Meeting
Time and Location: TBD
Set-up Reminder

03-Aug-2012
OPF due for Human Services Grants at 5 p.m.
Set-up Reminder

10-Aug-2012
Grant Application due for Human Services Grants at 5:00 p.m.
Set-up Reminder

Environment

07-Sep-2012
Environment Bidders' Meeting
Time and Location: TBD
Set-up Reminder

19-Oct-2012
OPF due for Environment Grants at 5 p.m.
Set-up Reminder

26-Oct-2012
Grant Application due for Environment Grants at 5 p.m.
Set-up Reminder

Arts and Culture

03-Feb-2012
Arts & Culture Bidders' Meeting
Location: Woodward Park Regional Library, 944 E Perrin Avenue, Fresno, CA 93720
Time: 2:00 P.M. to 4 P.M.
Set-up Reminder

24-Feb-2012
OPF due for Arts and Culture Grants at 5 p.m.
Set-up Reminder

05-Mar-2012
Grant Application due for Arts and Culture Grants at 5 p.m.
Set-up Reminder

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