OUR BLOG

“What does a Community Foundation Do?” That is the question we are asked most often at the Coronado Community Foundation (CCF). Well, we’ve been busy this year and want to fill you in on our activities and focus for the rest of the year. We know that building capacity and capability with our partner nonprofits is essential to the success of our mission. In January, we invited and funded the local nonprofit leaders to attend the 21 st Annual Nonprofit Leadership and Governance

Coronado's Nonprofit leaders gather for the kick-off Roundtable on Wednesday, March 26th at Feast & Fareway. In January of this year, the Coronado Community Foundation extended an invitation to the Executive Directors, CEOs, and Board Presidents of Coronado’s nonprofit organizations to attend the two-day Nonprofit Leadership Summit and Governance Symposium. From this successful initiative, the idea emerged to bring nonprofit leaders together regularly for scheduled roundtable

The Coronado Community Foundation welcomes sponsorship applications for events hosted by nonprofits that benefit the community and are aligned with our priority areas. Thanks to the generosity of the Patricia Lyons Estate Restricted Fund , events that support mental health and wellness will receive special consideration. Sponsorship grants range from $1,000 to $10,000. Please review the criteria before submitting your application. All applications are due by 5:00 pm PST on Ma

Michelle Gilmore, Helen Kupka, and Malia Pfister proudly represent CCF at the Nonprofit Leadership and Governance Symposium on January 23rd. The Coronado Community Foundation proudly sponsored Coronado Nonprofit leaders to attend the 2-day Nonprofit Leadership and Governance Symposium. The event, held at USD and hosted by the Nonprofit Institute, brought Nonprofit leaders, Board Presidents, researchers, and educators together for learning, engagement and networking. We had a

Susie Keeney and Whitney Benzian Join Coronado Community Foundation's Board of Directors We are thrilled to announce two new members to the Coronado Community Foundation Board of Directors, Susie Keeney and Whitney Benzian. With deep roots in Coronado and a steadfast commitment to civic engagement, they bring invaluable passion and experience to our mission. CCF Board President Helen Kupka adds, "Their expertise and dedication for making a positive impact in our community wil

By Bill Lowman Executive Board Member and Advisory Chair Your Coronado Community Foundation is here to help improve the lives of our neighbors, preserve and enhance the charm of Coronado, and enrich the community's arts and cultural experiences. We realize that there are many options when it comes to year-end giving. In addition to contributing from an existing Donor Advised Fund (DAF), many of our donors choose to make gifts of appreciated stocks, utilize their Required Mi

On Giving Tuesday, the Coronado Community Foundation invites you to donate to local Coronado nonprofit organizations. Here is the list of local organizations that we collaborate with or support through our Let's Connect Grants: Camp Able | Coronado Art Association | Coronado Community Band | Coronado Floral Association Coronado Historical Association | Coronado Island Film Festival | Coronado Junior Arts League Coronado Philharmonia Ochestra | Coronado Playhouse | Co

As we gear up for the end-of-year giving season, I want to take a moment to introduce—or reintroduce—you to the Coronado Community Foundation. Some of you might remember us from our launch in 2021 and the great things we’ve been up to since then, while others might be hearing about us for the first time. We proudly partner with local nonprofits, local government, and amazing community members like you to make a real difference in our beloved Coronado. With your input, we’ve i

A Message from Michelle: My First 60 Days with Coronado Community Foundation In my first 60 days as CEO of the Coronado Community Foundation, I’ve embarked on a "Listen & Learn" journey—a tour filled with meaningful conversations and invaluable insights. I’ve had the privilege of connecting with local media, fellow nonprofit leaders, city officials, and community members who have all graciously offered me their time, their perspectives, and, above all, their passion for Coron

With great excitement, the Coronado Community Foundation (CCF) Board of Directors announces that Michelle Gilmore will join the organization as its first CEO on September 1, 2024. “Michelle has served on our Advisory Council since its inception and has been a sounding board, a valued source of advice, and a cheerleader for CCF since we launched in 2021,” said Board Chair Helen Kupka, adding, “I have no doubts she will take CCF to new heights.” Previously CEO of the Coronado

Since its launch a few months ago, the Exceptional Families Program has held three events: Earth Day in the Coronado Cays (pictured above), family picnic day at the Rady Shell, and a meet-up at the Promenade Concert. The impact is already being felt. CCF is actively seeking donations from the community to ensure the Exceptional Families Program can be expanded and sustained. The Coronado Community Foundation (CCF) is hard at work this year with the launch of the Exceptional F

Featured in Coronado 365 Magazine By Beth Wood Helen Kupka, chair of the Coronado Community Foundation Board, had misgivings before moving to the Crown City in 2010. But her husband, Sig, was determined. “Sig wanted a boat in his backyard,” the former Silicon Valley resident said, speaking from her Coronado Cays home. “I was ready to kill him! But now you couldn’t get me out of here with an atomic bomb. “I’ve never lived anywhere before that I wouldn’t live anywhere else. Peo

The Coronado Community Foundation is working in partnership with Camp Able and other local agencies to develop the “Exceptional Families Program.” A series of events is being planned which will offer stimulating engagement for both the family member and their caregivers. Caring for a family member with special needs is vital but difficult work that can last for years. Help for tireless caregivers is offered through a number of agencies in the region. Often it is costly and pr

Janine Zuñiga July 2023 Coronado residents want more community enhancement projects, initiatives centered around arts and culture, and programs for seniors, an informal survey by the Coronado Community Foundation has found. After connecting with many of the city’s local nonprofit organizations, making key grants to nearly two dozen, and putting the finishing touches on a collaborative effort to upgrade the audio-visual system at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, the Founda

Coronado Community Foundation Seeks to Fulfill Community Needs, Engage Coronado Community As It Forges Path Forward Janine Zuñiga May 2023 The projector barely worked, presentations were glitchy and the speakers sounded muffled. The weak lighting was the icing on the cake for crews struggling to stage productions at the 570-seat main stage theater at the high school. With an audio-visual system well past its useful life and only part of the funding identified for a complete u

January 2022 The Coronado Community Foundation awarded six more $1000 grants to round out our “Let’s Connect” campaign. Our next step is to meet with each of the 21 organizations to learn more about them and explore opportunities to partner in the future. Their perspectives will help focus our efforts to grow charitable giving in and around Coronado. Read more here!

January 2022 To welcome in the New Year and new opportunities to partner in philanthropy, The Coronado Community Foundation awarded its second round of grants. Making connections was the mission as our Foundation board members and advisors got together with another seven organizations to present them with their $1000 grants. More information will be forthcoming when we present our remaining six grantees. Read more here!

December 2021 Tis the season to give back. To celebrate the season of giving and the opening of its doors in 2021, the Coronado Community Foundation is awarding 21 “Let’s Connect” grants to Coronado nonprofit organizations. With smiles and fist-bumps, the first recipients received their $1000 grants this week from Foundation Board members and advisors. Read more here!

December 2021 The Coronado Community Foundation is now established and will be launching this month with its own season of giving. Community foundations connect with nonprofit organizations, the business community, city government and donors to learn about local needs and where there are funding gaps. They then leverage the charitable resources of individuals, families and businesses to support initiatives led by local nonprofits. Read more here!

Community foundations build a culture of philanthropy across generations. Community foundations connect with nonprofit organizations, the business community, city government and donors to learn about local needs and where there are funding gaps. We strive to be the enduring cornerstone organization that helps donors and partners fulfill their collective dreams. Our role will evolve, balancing a long-term perspective with responsiveness to immediate issues in the community. W