I am privileged to take the helm of the Foundation at a critical juncture in its existence.
Under Ed Stephenson's leadership, with the assistance of his dedicated co-directors (most of whom have been on the board from inception), the Foundation has long been a positive influence in our community. Since being formed ten years ago, it has disbursed more than a quarter of a million dollars. Except in cases of specific donor instructions, the sole criterion was that the grant be used to benefit the people of San Benito County.
But now, as announced some time ago, we are in the midst of a major transformation. Instead of continuing to operate on a "cash-in, cash-out" basis, we are determined to build a permanent endowment fund from which only the income will be used. In this matter, as is true of the numerous other community foundations throughout the county:

• The principal will remain intact and prospective donors can honestly be told that their gifts will endure forever; and

• Their will be a permanent, continuous stream of funds available to assist numerous organizations which are too new, too small, or too distinctive to receive grants (or to receive as much as they need) from usual sources but whose work is beneficial to our residents.
  
  Building this multi-million dollar endowment will be a huge challenge. But is has successfully been done many times elsewhere; and I am confident that we have the people, the will and the know-how, and can garner sufficient public support, so as to do it here.

The Community Foundation For San Benito County
719 San Benito St., Suite G
Hollister, CA 95023
(831) 630-1924
Fax: (831) 630-1934

© 2003, The Community Foundation for San Benito County.
All Rights Reserved.

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