Coronado Nonprofit Leaders Gather for Quarterly Roundtable at Coronado Performing Arts Center

CORONADO, CA — More than 30 Coronado nonprofit organizations gathered Thursday, September 3, at the Coronado Performing Arts Center for the latest Coronado Nonprofit Leaders Roundtable, bringing together community leaders for an afternoon of connection, collaboration, and conversation about the work that strengthens the Coronado community.

Hosted by the CoSA Foundation in the lobby of the Coronado Performing Arts Center at Coronado High School, the gathering provided an opportunity for nonprofit leaders to connect with one another and learn more about the City of Coronado’s Community Grant Program.

“The CoSA Foundation was delighted to welcome Coronado’s nonprofit community to the Coronado Performing Arts Center for the Nonprofit Roundtable,” said Arlene Ventimiglia, President of the CoSA Foundation. “As an organization dedicated to supporting the students and programs of the Coronado School of the Arts, we value opportunities to connect with the many organizations working to make Coronado such a vibrant and engaged community.” Ventimiglia added, “It was especially meaningful to host the Roundtable in the Coronado Performing Arts Center—a space where our students create, perform, and grow. Bringing together so many organizations committed to serving Coronado felt like a wonderful reflection of the collaborative spirit of our community.”

The Roundtable featured a presentation by Kelli Maples, Senior Management Analyst for the City of Coronado, who provided an overview of the City’s Community Grant Program, including its history, current structure, and considerations for its future. The presentation offered nonprofit leaders an opportunity to better understand the grant process and to share their perspectives directly with City staff.

“Coronado’s nonprofit organizations are essential partners in serving and enriching our community,” said Maples.

“I appreciated the opportunity to share how the City supports their work and to hear directly from local leaders as we continue exploring ways to keep the Community Grant Program transparent, accessible, and sustainable.”

City Council Member Kelly Purvis also participated in the Roundtable. Purvis has been involved with the Community Grant Program and its development over the years.

“Coronado’s nonprofits strengthen our community in countless ways—supporting residents, enriching our quality of life, serving as economic drivers, and bringing people together,” said Purvis. “They are important partners with the City, often providing specialized services more effectively than the City could on its own. Having worked closely on the Community Grant Program in various capacities, I am proud to see City grants continue to benefit these organizations. The Nonprofit Leaders Roundtable reinforces the value of collaboration and listening directly to those doing this important work.”

The Roundtable is hosted quarterly by the Coronado Community Foundation (CCF) and brings together leaders from across Coronado’s nonprofit sector. The gatherings are designed to create opportunities for nonprofit organizations to share information, build relationships, identify opportunities for collaboration, and strengthen the collective impact of the community’s nonprofit sector.

“Every time we gather, I am reminded of just how much these organizations contribute to Coronado,” said Michelle Gilmore, CEO of the Coronado Community Foundation. “We are fortunate to have strong support from our City through Community Grants, the banner program, and other partnerships, but it is the nonprofit leaders and their teams who turn that support into programs, services, experiences, and opportunities for our community. More than 30 organizations coming together in one room is a pretty remarkable reflection of the collaborative spirit that makes Coronado such a special place.”

The gathering also highlighted the upcoming season at the Coronado School of the Arts. CoSA’s 2026–27 season begins this fall with a full calendar of student performances and events, including the Instrumental Music Fall Recital on September 28, Grease on the Main Stage at the Coronado Performing Arts Center October 15–19, the CHS Band Concert on October 26, and Digital Arts Horror Nights on October 27 and 29. On November 4, CoSA Showcase Night will feature all six CoSA conservatories and offer prospective students, families, and community members an opportunity to experience the breadth of the program.

The Coronado Community Foundation extends its appreciation to the CoSA Foundation, Arlene Ventimiglia, Linda, Jenni, Kelli Maples, Council Member Kelly Purvis, and all of the nonprofit leaders who participated in the September Roundtable.

About the Coronado Community Foundation

The Coronado Community Foundation connects donors, nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders to address local needs and strengthen the quality of life in Coronado. Through charitable giving, grantmaking, community partnerships, and collaborative initiatives, CCF works to create a stronger, more connected community for all.