At the Community Foundation of Nevada County, we take a systems-level approach to building a vibrant, resilient future for our community.
As a catalyst and convener, we bring people, resources, and ideas together to tackle complex challenges like wildfire preparedness, affordable housing, rural broadband, and economic opportunity that no single organization can solve alone. By aligning local priorities with donor interests and external funding, we’re investing in long-term solutions that strengthen nonprofits, support equity and civic engagement, and ensure a high quality of life for everyone in Western Nevada County.
What We Do
Your generous support enables us to make grants to nonprofit groups and organizations that provide essential services and enhance the long-term wellbeing and quality of life for all in Western Nevada County. Our grants address specific issues facing our communities while strengthening the capacity and effectiveness of local nonprofits.
As the current profound shift from public funding of public services to private philanthropic funding continues, donating to COFONC insures that contributions from donors who love Western Nevada County are going where they’re most needed to keep our region strong, healthy and thriving. We are your partner in achieving your philanthropic goals.
We incubate and facilitate projects in our community that are seeking fiscal sponsorship. Using a fiscal sponsorship arrangement offers a way for a cause to attract donors even when it is not yet recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). In essence the fiscal sponsor serves as the administrative “home” of the cause. Charitable contributions are given to the fiscal sponsor, which then grants them to support the cause. Our Fiscal Sponsorship Program
We listen to the concerns and interests of our community and then create programming and events to meet those needs. Topics range from the use of AI for Nonprofit Organizational Effectiveness, to disaster preparedness to CNL’s perennial Board Essentials.
Strategic Priorities
Nonprofit Effectiveness and Capacity Building
Through the Center for Nonprofit Leadership, we offer skill-building workshops, one-on-one coaching, and convening to help our nonprofit community become more effective and resilient. This training fosters stronger leadership in boards and staff, and brings best practices to our rural communities.
COFONC offers fiscal sponsorship to fledgling nonprofits, as well as established organizations that would like support in finance and administration and want to focus on their mission.
For nonprofits planning for the future, we offer nonprofit agency funds to help build towards a capital project, or create a sustainable future.
Climate Resilience and Disaster Relief
COFONC is positioned to lead and support our community when disaster strikes – and for many years afterward. Through the Nevada County Relief Fund, our purpose is to get resources where they are needed most in a crisis, and to adapt quickly to changing needs on the ground.
In 2025-2026, we are prioritizing the development of a Community Organization Active in Disaster (COAD). Our strong trust-based relationships with local nonprofits, government, community leaders and donors position us to lead this effort which has proven to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
Learn more about our Disaster Relief and Recovery initiatives.
Community Health and Wellness
In 2025-2027, COFONC is prioritizing collaborative efforts in housing solutions, rural economic development, and civic engagement. Our fiscally sponsored projects reflect these commitments.
We are also working with the County Office of Economic Development to support the backbone of our rural community — small business. We learned through the Nevada County Relief Fund that supporting our small businesses is the key to rural prosperity.
And watch for our efforts to elevate and engage our community in bridging divides and celebrating the qualities that our rural communities are known for — respect, collaboration, and resilience.