I would like to make everyone aware of a relatively new, yet critically important organization in San Carlos: The Community Foundation of San Carlos. CFSC is a grant-making public charity dedicated to improving the lives of everyone who lives, works, learns, and plays in the City of San Carlos, California. It was established in November 2019 with a $2 million endowment from the City of San Carlos and its origins trace back to an unusual but community-minded decision by local government.
At its core, the Community Foundation of San Carlos serves as a connector for nonprofits, businesses, and individuals, linking financial and in-kind resources to where they are needed most in the community. Its mission is rooted in strategic philanthropy — not just writing checks, but thoughtfully directing resources to drive measurable, lasting change. The Foundation addresses critical community needs by bringing together local nonprofits, service organizations, community leaders, and local philanthropists to contribute time, in-kind goods and services, and financial resources to create sustainable solutions
One of the Foundation's most important functions is its Community Grant program. Grant rounds focus on funding organizations that address the physical, mental, social, and other basic needs of community members and uplift the lives of all who live, work, learn, or play in San Carlos. The grant review process is community-driven: a grants team comprised of community members carefully reads and evaluates nonprofit applications, choosing those they feel will make the biggest difference for the San Carlos community. Grants are prioritized for smaller organizations, with eligibility generally limited to nonprofits with annual operating budgets under $1.5 million, ensuring that resources reach those who need them most.
The results of this work have been significant. Over six years, the Foundation has reached an important milestone — more than $1 million in grants invested in programs that support youth, seniors, food security, education, and the arts. Recent grant recipients have included organizations such as Adaptive PE, Caring Cupboard, NAMI, San Carlos Children's Theater, San Carlos Little League, and many others — each playing a distinct role in the fabric of the community.
Beyond grantmaking, the Foundation is deeply involved in community life more broadly. It serves as a title sponsor of the annual Hometown Days event and is the fiscal sponsor of the beloved Week of the Family. It also maintains a nonprofit directory and community calendar to help residents connect with causes they care about.
The Foundation's values — impact, transparency, and collaboration — guide every decision it makes. Donors can give with confidence knowing that 100% of gifts impact those in San Carlos, with 75% directed to local nonprofits and community programs in the near term and 25% set aside into the endowment for future generations.
In a city whose founder once called it the "Town of Human Friendliness," the Community Foundation of San Carlos carries that spirit forward — turning neighbor-to-neighbor caring into lasting, community-wide change.
Here is your chance to become a part of a wonderful evening at Hiller Aviation Museum and celebrate San Carlos. Please click the following link for more information and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrating-san-carlos-building-community-together-tickets-1983832572628?aff=oddtdtcreator
