This is the first story in a series provided by the El Dorado Community Foundation. In every community, there are shared hopes. We want children to grow up safe and supported. We want families to have what they need to thrive. We want our local nonprofits to respond courageously when challenges arise. And we want to know that in moments of struggle or opportunity, neighbors can rely on one another. Many organizations and individuals contribute to this vision, but community foundations are uniquely positioned to help make it real.
El Dorado Community Foundation (EDCF) works quietly but meaningfully to help shape the future of our County. We serve as connectors, conveners, stewards, and problem solvers dedicated to ensuring that generosity has long lasting impact. Whether we are addressing immediate needs or supporting long-term transformation, EDCF serves as a trusted partner for donors, nonprofits, and civic leaders who care deeply about their communities.
At our core, EDCF manages charitable funds entrusted to us by individuals, families, businesses, and organizations who want to give back. Donors are motivated by their values and their desire to uplift their community, and they rely on the Foundation to help them do so effectively. To support this work, the Foundation assesses modest administrative fees, ranging from 1.5 percent to 4 percent depending on the fund type, which ensure strong stewardship, compliance, and organizational sustainability.
We work hard to honor donor intent and maximize impact. Our donors create funds knowing their charitable wishes will be upheld not only today but into the future. We ensure that grants are thoughtful, responsible, and aligned with each donor’s goals, and that every dollar contributes to meaningful change.
We also directly support our nonprofits who are the heart of El Dorado County. We provide grants, training, capacity building, and opportunities to collaborate to help strengthen community nonprofit organizations. Because we have a broad view of community needs, we can often identify gaps early and help seed creative solutions.
Additionally, EDCF intersects with a multitude of agencies, donors and community members every day. This provides a unique position to serve as effective natural conveners. We help unite donors, nonprofits, schools, local government, and residents around shared goals and help the community work collectively toward long term progress.
During times of crisis, EDCF responds quickly. Whether the challenge is a wildfire, a flood, a public health emergency, or a community tragedy, residents look to us as a safe, accountable, and effective way to help. EDCF collects and moves resources swiftly and directs them where they will make the greatest impact.
There’s a common misconception that EDCF holds large pools of money and independently decides how those charitable dollars are distributed. In reality, donors direct the vast majority of annual giving. Approximately ninety-seven percent of all grants distributed by EDCF each year are recommended or directed by donors who have established funds with the foundation. The foundation’s role is to steward those dollars with care, ensure compliance, provide due diligence, and guide donors through community needs.
This donor-driven structure is one of the greatest strengths of EDCF. It allows for diverse philanthropic interests, encourages active local giving, and invites community members to directly shape their community’s future. The remaining 3 percent of the funds awarded allow EDCF to address unmet needs and support long-range priorities.
The Foundation’s asset growth plays a critical role in long-term philanthropy. It is more than a financial milestone. It is a sign of the community’s resilience and its commitment to its future. When EDCF grows our assets, it strengthens our ability to respond to needs both today and for generations to come.
Long-term funds create permanent community resources that function like a philanthropic savings account. They ensure that there will always be resources available to meet future challenges. Larger assets create greater stability and enable the foundation to continue to grant dollars into our nonprofit organizations, which are doing impactful work across all sectors. EDCF’s growth in assets reflects trust. When donors invest their charitable resources with us, they express confidence in the foundation’s integrity and our vision for the future.
El Dorado Community Foundation is proud to reflect the generosity, resilience, and hopes of the donors whom we serve. We help make philanthropy accessible. We ensure that every gift has purpose and longevity, and we help communities not only respond to today’s needs but build the foundation for a brighter future. A strong community foundation is a sign of a strong community, and we are honored to serve as yours.
If you would like to learn more about the El Dorado Community Foundation, contact us at 530-622-5621 or info@eldoradocf.org.
-El Dorado Community Foundation, https://eldoradocf.org/