Redwood City — As economic pressures squeeze many families, the Board of Supervisors today recognized organizations that often work behind the scenes to shore up the region’s safety net: community foundations.

Supervisors designated Nov. 12 to 18 as Community Foundation Week, noting that the observance underscores the essential role of philanthropy as rising costs and widening economic disparities force residents to rely more heavily on nonprofit and charitable support in partnership with the County.

“Families are dealing with higher prices across the board,” said Supervisor Ray Mueller, who sponsored the proclamation. “Community foundations help steady that pressure by supporting the nonprofits that keep people housed, fed and connected to services. Their partnership strengthens our work, especially at a time when government alone cannot move fast enough to meet every need.”

Community foundations have long played an outsized role in the county. They invest in education, housing, health care, environmental projects and small community initiatives by bundling contributions from individuals, families and businesses.

“It’s truly an honor to receive the proclamation today on behalf of my fellow community foundation leaders and colleagues serving San Mateo County and to have our work recognized,” Nicole Taylor, president and CEO of Silicon Valley Community Foundation, said at today’s meeting. “With federal funding cuts looming, our partnerships with local governments are even more critical now to help fill the gaps and protect vital services that keep our communities strong, resilient and thriving."

The supervisors’ action placed the County among the many local governments that use Community Foundation Week to highlight philanthropy’s role in addressing local challenges — a role expected to grow to help fill potential federal funding gaps.

County leaders said they hope the proclamation also serves as a reminder that charitable giving remains a vital part of the region’s response to economic insecurity. They encouraged all residents to learn about and support the foundations and nonprofit partners working to build vibrant, inclusive and thriving communities.

“It’s what shared responsibility looks like,” Mueller said. “It’s what shared leadership looks like.”

Community Foundation Week was created in 1989 by former President George H.W. Bush to recognize the important work of community foundations nationwide and their collaborative and innovative approach to working with the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

Cassandra Matter
Communications Director and Legislative Policy Aide
Office of Supervisor Ray Mueller
cmatter@smcgov.org
650-363-4569