Friends of the Foundation Help the Central Valley Thrive

Friends of the Foundation members enjoy connecting with one another and learning about efforts to support the Central Valley region during our semi-annual Friends of the Foundation dinner events.

A few years back, several of the Central Valley Community Foundation’s biggest supporters came to a realization: If the CVCF was going to continue serving as the hub of big and lasting change, they would need support, both financial and otherwise. Out of this realization came the Friends of the Foundation, a community of donors who are transforming the Central Valley. Over time, this group has grown into a vibrant circle of leaders, neighbors and everyday people who believe in the power of joining forces for the greatest impact.

Together, they have attracted major state and national funding, created opportunities for families and neighborhoods, and connected organizations to amplify their impact.

These Friends always find their way back to the same shared purpose: to make every dollar that comes into the Central Valley Community Foundation (CVCF) go farther. When they come together, something meaningful happens. They connect with others who care about the Central Valley; they learn about the big changes and big challenges here; and they pool their resources to invest in our community.

And the return they get is nothing short of amazing! Residents in Fresno’s disinvested neighborhoods are coming together to change the direction of their communities through the DRIVE (Developing the Region’s Inclusive and Vibrant Economy) initiative. Small agricultural businesses receive support to grow their businesses through F3 (Farms, Food, Future). The entire Central Valley region is facing its biggest challenges head-on.

“When we started Friends of the Foundation, our main goal was to raise awareness of CVCF because a lot of their community-changing work was happening behind-the-scenes,” said Craig Fourchy, Emeritus Board Member. “Once people see the positive changes and big investment the CVCF brings to our region, support for this work becomes natural.”

The Friends of the Foundation believe giving is joyful, philanthropy should be welcoming and celebrating victories along the way is essential. Twice a year, the group gathers to share a meal and learn about the programs and people who are moving our community towards prosperity for everyone.  These vibrant, hopeful events bring together the donors and the doers who are transforming the Central Valley.

Central Valley Community Foundation President & CEO Ashley Swearengin speaks to Friends of the Foundation members during an outdoor gathering celebrating community, connection and impact in the Central Valley.  Friends members enjoy two uniquely themed dinner events each year in addition to other learning opportunities.

“The Friends of the Foundation is a special part of our culture as an organization,” said Ashley Swearengin, President & CEO of CVCF. “And I want to say ‘thank you’ for coming alongside and helping us to power and fuel our journey.”

The group raises around $250,000 annually, which CVCF regularly turns into more than $15 million in grants and scholarships.

Friends of the Foundation members gathered together for dinner and conversation at a Friends event under the evening lights.

To learn more and become a Friend of the Foundation, visit Friends of the Foundation | Central Valley Community Foundation.

This story is part of the Central Valley Community Foundation’s “Sixty Stories That Shaped Us” initiative to help mark 60 years since our founding. We invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone and this special place we call home. To learn more, visit centralvalleycf.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn @centralvalleycf.