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San Marcos Community Foundation reports nearly $2 million granted since 1988, seeks donors to grow endowment
Summary
Carol Gendell presented the San Marcos Community Foundation's 2025 annual report to council on Oct. 28, noting almost $2 million in grants distributed since the foundation's founding, recent success securing a $10,000 County community enhancement grant and a goal to grow the endowment to meet rising grant demand.
Carol Gendell, president of the San Marcos Community Foundation, presented the foundation's 2025 annual report to the City Council on Oct. 28, 2025. She said the foundation has distributed nearly $2 million in grants since it was established in 1988 with a $1 million gift to the city.
Gendell told the council the foundation typically has about $55,000 to $70,000 available each year for grants; recent growth in applicants has raised demand, with 25 grant applicants in the current quarter requesting roughly $125,000 while only about $16,000 was available to award. To increase its granting power, the foundation secured its first Board of Supervisors Community Enhancement Grant of $10,000 for marketing and training, worked with Cal State San Marcos students on a strategic marketing plan and is pursuing additional fundraising and outreach to build the endowment.
Gendell asked council members to help raise the foundation's profile with potential donors and suggested encouraging estate and corporate giving to grow the long-term endowment. Council members thanked Gendell and city staff for their work supporting the foundation and pledged continued assistance.
