The most potentially powerful outcome of Endow San Diego is the genesis of local charitable foundations across the region, growing under the banner, “Endow Your Community.” Each of these new foundations attracts members whose donations create an endowment as well as immediate grantmaking funds that serve their communities exclusively. Here is what we are focusing on now:
The Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation (RBCF) was founded in 1988 and has been affiliated with The San Diego Foundation since 1996. The RBCF provides assistance to the Rancho Bernardo community through funding for projects and programs focused on senior services, youth activities, recreation, promotion of the arts, educational enhancement, civic enhancement and community protection by building a permanent, growing endowment fund to meet Rancho Bernardo’s changing priorities and emerging needs.
Fundraising
The Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation has several events to raise funds for both the endowment fund as well as for yearly grant making. These events include:
Pathway of Pride –Anyone donating $1,000 or more to the Foundation endowment receives an engraved granite plaque, commemorating their donation, set permanently in the concrete walkway around the lake in Webb Park. Since inception, over one quarter of a million dollars has been donated to the RBCF Endowment fund. Each summer the Foundation celebrates the individuals and businesses who have contributed to the endowment during the previous year.
Next Pathway of Pride Event - June 10,2008
Annual Cruises – Each year the RBCF works with Maureen Anderson, a local travel agent who gives RBCF a donation for each cabin sold on the annual cruise. To date, close to $50,000 has been donated through this unique experience.
Fall Cruise to the Caribbean – October 21-31, 2008
Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon – Each year the RBCF hosts its Thanksgiving Luncheon, during which money is raised for their endowment and non-endowment funds while also providing grants to worthy organizations and causes. This is the largest community event of its kind and is a wonderful way to bring in the holiday season.
Upcoming Thanksgiving Luncheon - November 25, 2008
Grant Making
The RBCF’s primary granting focus is in the area of Capacity Building through its Impact Grant. The 2007 Impact Grant focus was Capital Campaigns with an emphasis on projects that were for the purpose of building, renovating or repairing a structure that will improve the quality of life in Rancho Bernardo. The Rancho Bernardo Historical Society was the recipient of this first ever Impact Grant. To learn more about the Historical Society or its building campaign, please click here.