History

A successful entrepreneur and community activist at the turn of the 20th century, Gundelfinger became a visionary philanthropist. A Field of Interest Fund established by his daughter Lulu Staburn Gundelfinger continues in perpetuity to provide support for local parks and music.

The Fresno Regional Foundation was conceived by a small group of community leaders more than 40 years ago. Their vision was born out of an idea and commitment to bring to the San Joaquin Valley the community foundation concept.. The central feature of this concept is to build an institution that encourages local charitable giving, honors the intent of the donor and connects the philanthropist with the community based organizations that help build a healthy, vibrant and prosperous community. Local investment and local control of philanthropic resources are essential for meeting the challenges of building strong communities.

As a 501 (c) (3), public benefit corporation, the Fresno Regional Foundation is governed by a board of directors. The original board (then referred to as a Board of governors) were:

Lewis S. Eaton - Chairman,
Lowell W. Firstenberger – Vice Chairman
Mrs. Ross Brown – Treasurer,
Hilliard R. Giffen,
Kendall L. Manock,
Leon S. Peters,
T. Newton Russell,
Gerald Slater, and
O. J. Woodward.

40th Anniversary Celebration

David Mas Masumoto, third generation organic farmer and renown author and O. James Woodward, III – Emeritus Board Member, Fresno Regional Foundation presents $100,000 grant for Read Fresno to Christine Walters, Director

Fresno Regional Foundation Growth

At that time all board members were appointed and chosen for their knowledge of and contribution to the San Joaquin Valley.

These founders began with less than a $1000 investment.
Within seven years the assets had grown to $63,742.
As of the last audit in 2005 the assets had grown to $22,790,472.
FRF granted more than $3 million in awards to local nonprofit organizations that same year.

40th Anniversary Celebration Joining in the festivities of this historic moment:

Judge Annette La Rue, Stephanie Oliver, Gerald Lyles, Mrs. Gerald (Nanette) Lyles, Chris Rogers, and (seated) Mrs. Elizabeth Lyles.

40th Anniversary Celebration

In celebration of our 40th anniversary in 2006, the Fresno Regional Foundation has embarked on a project to gather the stories and history of the people and events that have shaped the development of philanthropy in our region. Please revisit this site during 2007 as we share the legacy of our past, as well as our hopes for the future.