About Us

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County is a county-wide nonprofit organization that administers permanent charitable funds established through gifts and bequests from individuals, families, businesses, and other organizations. Our mission is to offer people effective ways to engage in advancing the well-being of our communities.

We accomplish our mission by serving donors, making grants, and acting as a community catalyst for positive change. We bring together people and organizations that want to make a difference in our corner of the world.

We are one of approximately 750 Community Foundations nationwide. The first community foundation was established in 1914 by banker Frederic Goff in Cleveland, who realized the value of creating a permanent endowment that would benefit citizens in his community for generations to come. The Community Foundation of Mendocino County is part of a national community but acts locally to provide stewardship of endowments that stay true to donor intent over decades and generations.

We are a local organization supported and led by thoughtful and engaged people who care about Mendocino County and have a vision for how it can thrive. Our board, staff, and volunteers include representatives from each of the seven geographically distinct regions of Mendocino County. We provide leadership, expertise and capital to build local resources and opportunities and serve as a resource for nonprofit, civic, government, and philanthropic organizations.

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