What we are doing is the equivalent of starting a new business. Like any other new enterprise, we need working capital for staff, space, office equipment, marketing materials, etc. In time, we anticipate that our endowment will become large enough to make it self-sustaining. However, to cover our startup operating costs, we are seeking Benefactors who will contribute $2,500 each. In this regard it should be noted that:

• These contributions are fully tax-deductible.
• Each of our Benefactors will receive recognition as such, unless they wish to be anonymous.
• Most importantly, every Benefactor will have the satisfaction of knowing that they have enabled the creation of a philanthropic entity dedicated to the benefit of San Benito County and its people, forever! Print out and complete this pledge card to become a Benefactor, click here. After you have completed it, mail it back to us.
• Or, if you prefer to complete our on-line contact form, click here. A member of our staff will contact your shortly once we receive your information.
• Gifts to the Foundation are used to increase its permanent endowment fund, from which only the income is used for grants. In this manner, donor gifts are never spent and will continue to benefit the community (or the particular benefit specified by the donor) in perpetuity. Click here to complete our on-line form if you'd like to donate to our permanent endowment fund.
• Need help in how to word your bequest? Download our Sample Bequest form in Adobe PDF format. Click here.

Has our Community Foundation been following these practices?
Since our founding in 1992, grants to non-profit groups in San Benito County have exceeded $250,000. However, until now, we have not attempted to build a significant endowment fund such as exists in our neighboring community foundations (Monterey - over $65 million, Silicon Valley - over $600 million or Peninsula - more than $400 million).

Why Now?
Remarkable changes have occurred during the past decade that have transformed San Benito County from a primarily agricultural area to a larger, more diversified and increasingly more affluent population. Our county has grown to the point where it can afford to support a foundation with sufficient endowments to enable it to make major contributions to our community. It is estimated that more than 80% of the charitable planned giving generated in our County leaves our County! We believe that it is now appropriate to make a concerted effort to help ourselves and join the growing number of successful community foundations that have been established throughout the country. Feel free to contact us for more information on how you can make a difference in your community!

How do you intend to accomplish all of this?
By building an organization staffed by professionals with the know-how and ability to offer the full array of benefits to potential individual, estate and business donors. We also plan to seek grants from large national foundations interested in encouraging and supporting our community efforts.

What do you need to succeed?
What we are doing is the equivalent of starting a new business. Like any other new enterprise, we need working capital for staff, space, office equipment, marketing materials, etc. In time, we anticipate that our endowment will become large enough to make it self-sustaining. However, to cover our startup operating costs, we are seeking Benefactors who will contribute $2,500 each. In this regard it should be noted that:

How Can I become a Benefactor?
Giving back to your community has never been easier. You may print out and mail to us the Benefactor Form. Click here to download our printable form. If you would like to complete our on-line form, click here. Simply contact our Director: Gary Byrne by telephone at (831) 630-1934, or via e-mail at gbyrne@cffsbc.org.