OUR BLOG

September 1, 2026 Photo credit: Ed Ed Clemente "What does a Community Foundation do?" It’s a question we are often asked at the Coronado Community Foundation (CCF). One way we answer is by identifying unmet needs in our community and bringing together the right partners to create meaningful solutions. The Exceptional Families Program (EFP) is an example of just that. -Helen Kupka, Founder & Board President In April 2024, CCF partnered with Camp Able, the City of Coronado, and

August 12, 2026 Christine Johnson Pictured left to right: Tim Farmer, City of Coronado Director of Recreation & Golf Services; Alex Murillo, Coronado Junior Arts League; Helen Kupka, Coronado Community Foundation; Blake McCarty, Coronado Playhouse; Michelle Gilmore, Coronado Community Foundation. "When a community comes together for a cause, great things can happen. When the CORONADO community works as one, we benefit from efforts that change the fabric of what we hold dear.

June 21, 2026 We're excited to share our Summer Newsletter with you! Discover what we've been working on, see what's in store for the rest of the summer, and get a sneak peek at the meaningful initiatives and community events planned for a busy fall. Thank you for being part of our community—we can't wait to share what's ahead!

June 18, 2026 Through its Fall 2025 Arts & Culture Grant Program, The Coronado Community Foundation invested in projects that celebrate creativity, inspire learning, and strengthen Coronado's cultural landscape. The CCF Board of Directors awarded more than $42,000 in grants to seven local nonprofits, supporting initiatives ranging from music and performing arts to arts education and community traditions. Among the funded projects was the Coronado Historical Association's coll

June 4, 2026 Photo cutline: The Coronado Community Foundation (CCF) accepts a $5,000 grant from The Rotary Club of Coronado to expand services provided through the Coronado Seniors A GoGo free ride service. Photo credit: Debbie McBride, Coronado Rotary Executive Director On Wednesday, June 3, the Coronado Community Foundation Board of Directors accepted a "big" check and donation at the Rotary Club of Coronado meeting. Members and guests heard an update on the partnership bet

May 20, 2026 Hosted by the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Rena Clancy, Coronado Nonprofit Leaders gathered Thursday, May 14th, at The Henry to kick off year two of the Coronado Nonprofit Leaders Roundtable meetings. Left to Right: Erin Peterson, Kerri Dowling, Helen Kupka, Michelle Gilmore, Cathy Brown, Christine Stokes, Inge Cornejo, Carie Rodgers, Carla Bacon, Emily Foster, Rena Clancy, Stephanie Anderson, Elena Vizuet, Danielle Maske, Arlene Ventimiglia, Tim Chin, Linda

May 20, 2026 Through our Fall 2025 Arts & Culture Grant Program, Coronado Community Foundation (CCF) proudly supported local music, performing arts, arts education, and beloved cultural events throughout Coronado. The CCF Board of Directors unanimously approved seven nonprofit grants, funding a diverse range of programs and initiatives that enrich our community through arts and culture. Among these grants was funding awarded to the Coronado Schools Foundation for the purchase

May 6, 2026 “Thank you, you have given me my freedom back, and I am so grateful for this program.” Nancy, Coronado Seniors A Go Go rider The Coronado Community Foundation celebrates the 6-month milestone with volunteer drivers making a difference in the lives of Coronado seniors who simply need a ride. Nancy is a Coronado resident who took her first Coronado Seniors A Go Go (CSAGG) ride in January. She has not been driving for a few years and lives alone after her husband pas

April 18, 2026 This past fall, we proudly distributed just over $42,000 in Arts and Culture Grants. With grant submissions supporting local music, performing arts, and arts education, as well as beloved cultural events, our CCF Board of Directors unanimously approved 7 nonprofit grants. Through these grants, CCF supported a wide range of programs and initiatives that bring arts and culture to life across Coronado, including the Coronado Floral Association's first-ever "Events

March 4, 2026 We are proud to share that the Coronado Community Foundation’s 2025 Annual Report is now live and ready to read. This report reflects a year of meaningful progress, thoughtful collaboration, and a deep commitment to strengthening our community. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our nonprofit partners, we were able to support impactful programs, respond to unmet needs, and continue building a more connected and resilient Coronado. Insid

March 9, 2026 This past fall, we proudly distributed just over $42,000 in Arts and Culture Grants. With grant submissions supporting local music, performing arts, and arts education, as well as beloved cultural events, our CCF Board of Directors unanimously approved 7 nonprofit grants. Through these grants, CCF supported a wide range of programs and initiatives that bring arts and culture to life across Coronado, including the Coronado Community Band, which held a concert on

March 9, 2026 This past fall, we proudly distributed more than $42,000 in Arts and Culture Grants. Supporting local music, performing arts, arts education, and beloved community events, our CCF Board of Directors unanimously approved seven nonprofit grants. Through these grants, CCF helped bring arts and culture to life across Coronado, including supporting the replacement of Lamb's Players Theatre aging headset communication system, an essential tool that enables seamless co

March 4, 2026 The Coronado Community Foundation needs volunteer drivers to add to our popular Seniors A GoGo Free Ride Service. Each week, we are adding registered seniors to the Coronado Seniors A Go-Go program, and the response is growing. Through our partnership with ElderHelp of San Diego, Coronado volunteer drivers are matched with Coronado seniors who need a FREE ride to a medical appointment, social engagement, or even a shopping outing. Currently, we have 15 registe

"Receiving this gift from the Coronado Gives campaign means the world to our team and to the military families we serve. At Strength in Service, we believe no one should have to choose between finding a clinician who truly gets them and one they can actually afford. This community's generosity allows us to keep showing up for military families right here in Coronado — and to create pathways for military spouses who, like me, have spent years trying to build a career between d

March 4, 2026 Through the generosity of Coronado Gives, led by the Coronado Community Foundation, PAWS of Coronado is expanding its impact on the lives of local stray animals and the people who care for them. This community-driven support allows PAWS of Coronado to deliver both preventive and urgent care services that directly benefit animals right here in Coronado. A portion of this funding will be used to recognize World Spay Day in February, an international effort that hi

Video Credit: Joel Ortiz Like the opening movement of a beautiful symphony, the evening began with anticipation and warmth as donors and friends gathered for Mon Valentin , a Valentine’s Day concert performed by the Coronado Philharmonia Orchestra. The night set the tone for an unforgettable performance, where music, community, and gratitude came together in perfect harmony. The orchestra’s performance was elevated by the artistry of renowned cellist Paul Tseng, whose presenc

On February 12, 2026 over 20 nonprofit leaders gathered for our 1st Nonprofit Leaders Roundtable of the year at the John D. Spreckels Center. A special thank you to PAWS of Coronado for hosting and bringing the guest of honor, Ambrose. Each year, the Nonprofit Institute at USD presents its "State of Nonprofits and Philanthropy Report" at the Governance Symposium. This year, with the symposium date changed, they presented the findings via a webinar. About the State of Nonpr

Published by Coronado Eagle and Journal 1/4/2026 Written by Michelle Gilmore, CEO Coronado Community Foundation What started as a “Big idea” and turned into a six-week campaign culminated with giving across the community from donors, businesses, media partners, and matching funds, to the tune of $10,000. The Coronado Gives campaign, a first-time effort co-sponsored by The Coronado Times and the Coronado Eagle & Journal, and hosted by the Coronado Community Foundation, succes

H appy New Year to you and your families. We hope and trust your 2026 is off to a great start. We are grateful to share that our end-of-year Champion Coronado campaign raised $73,450, just shy of our $75,000 goal. This incredible result reflects the generosity and commitment of our community, and we are deeply thankful to everyone who contributed. These gifts help grow partner-led programs like our Exceptional Families Program and Neighbors in Need initiatives, support Arts

Published by Coronado Times 12/12/2025 written by Megan Kitt Coronado Gives is raising money for residents and families now through Dec. 31 in partnership with the Coronado Community Foundation, The Coronado Times, and the Coronado Eagle & Journal. Below is a story of community impact. When Colby Freer was a child, she would watch every year as the tents sprang up in Spreckels Park, waiting for magic. For more than a century, the Coronado Flower Show has brought its sweepin