In Midst of Challenges - Community Foundation Good News

We live in an incredible community — beautiful, vibrant, friendly, optimistic and this year, greatly challenged. Our spirits can use a dose of good news, and I am pleased to share some from the Community Foundation with you.

Generosity abounds.

So far this year people from in and beyond our region have sent in more than 800 separate donations, contributing to different Community Foundation funds. Community Foundation Fundholders have made 40 gifts from their donor advised funds to other funds that we manage to benefit our community, totaling more than $1.1million.  I think the biggest measure of charity at the Community Foundation is the 311 grants sent out to benefit the community, most recommend by fundholders and totaling about $4.6 million.  Wow!  Philanthropy is alive and well in northern Nevada.

I am inspired by the contributions ranging from $5 to $50,000 that poured into the COVID-19 Relief Fund, reaching a total of $327,000.

To-date, 26 grant distributions totaling over $242,000 have been made to a wide range of entities in northern Nevada from the COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Another piece of great news is that the Village on Sage Street officially reached 100% occupancy around the second week of July.

The residents have been able to pay their $400 a month rent and are safe and healthy.  Clark and Sullivan offered to build a pavilion for shade over the paved area near the outdoor fireplace. We anticipate construction to begin shortly on this much anticipated comfortable outdoor gathering area and thank Clark and Sullivan for their caring support. June information demographics on the residents at the Village on Sage Street show that average monthly income is $1,658, and 57% of the residents earn that income through employment. The resident’s average age is 51 and about 77% are male. Veterans make up 16% of the residents and 27% of all residents own vehicles. We are also beginning to learn about residents who are able to improve their financial situation due to the low rent. Among the residents who have moved out during the first full year of operation, 31% report they were able to reduce their debt during their stay and 12 report their income increased.

Lastly, Lauren’s email last week about the Community Foundation’s record-breaking year of 230 scholarship awards totaling $515,415 still lifts me.

During the daily assault we face from worrisome news, please keep in mind that in our community acts of comfort, connection, and generosity are occurring. Thanks to you and the countless generous, creative, energetic, and caring people who make up our northern Nevada community. 

Thank you! Please give me a call at 775-333-5499 if you would like to connect and help strengthen our community through philanthropy.  

Chris Askin, President, and CEO