For a regranting and donor-development program that advances solutions to issues that are critical to San Joaquin Valley residents and builds a pipeline of local philanthropic support.

With a $3 million grant from Irvine, the Fresno Regional Foundation is establishing the Fund for the San Joaquin Valley to advance a wave of local giving that will address critical issues identified by people in the region. Announced in October 2011 in conjunction with the Fresno Regional Foundation’s 45th anniversary, the fund will be used to fund nonprofit organizations doing exceptional work in areas of great importance. The fund invites the participation of local donors and seeks to sustain, in perpetuity, annual grantmaking approaching $1 million in the region. First grants will be made in 2012, with input from an advisory group that will feature voices drawn from multiple sectors, counties and demographics.

The Fresno Regional Foundation (FRF) is one of the “graduating” members of Irvine’s Community Foundations Initiative II (2005–2011), during which time it grew assets from $15 million to $50 million. FRF has attracted new donors among the agricultural and business communities, strengthened its operating model, and professionalized grantmaking processes. Irvine CEO Jim Canales delivered a keynote speech during the Fresno Regional Foundation’s 45th Anniversary Luncheon on October 26, 2011, Partnering for a Stronger Valley.

Read news coverage:

EDITORIAL: Foundations Help Make Our Region a Better Place to Live, October 27, 2011 (Fresno Bee)

Fresno's Martin Donates $2M for San Joaquin River, October 27, 2011 (Fresno Bee)

Fresno Regional Foundation Gets $3M Grant, October 26, 2011 (Fresno Bee)

Read Partnering for a Stronger Valley, remarks to the Fresno Regional Foundation’s 45th anniversary luncheon by Irvine President and CEO, Jim Canales, October 26, 2011