Community Foundation of San Carlos reports $1 million in grants, $3 million in assets

Linda Garvey, president of the Community Foundation of San Carlos, presented the foundation’s annual report to the City Council on Sept. 22, saying the nonprofit has distributed roughly $1 million in grants since 2020 and now holds about $3 million in assets.

Garvey said the foundation typically awards $150,000 annually and limits grants to organizations with budgets under $1.5 million so smaller local groups can compete. “Our vision is of a community where every person can thrive and have a deep feeling of belonging,” she said, and described grantmaking that focuses on youth programs, critical needs such as food security and financial aid, neighbor‑serving organizations and arts programs.

She told the council the foundation has seen increased demand: applications rose from an average of about 20 to nearly 40 this cycle. Garvey also highlighted the organization’s low operating expenses — roughly $21,800 last year — and large volunteer contribution, noting “we have banked about 4,000 hours” of volunteer time.

Council members praised the foundation’s stewardship and its focus on family‑friendly, neighborhood programs. Councilmember Dugan commended the foundation’s low overhead, calling the 7–12% operating rate “an impressive number.” Councilmember Rack and others said they appreciated the group’s outreach and plans to expand fundraising and a proposed mini‑grants program.

Garvey said the next set of awards will be announced in December 2025 and offered to provide the council with the foundation’s financial reports for more detail.

The presentation drew no formal action; it was received for the record.