Grant Profiles

Bartlett Family Fund

Stacy Bartlett-Renshaw, advisor to the Bartlett Family Fund, believes everyone has the right to enrichment and the quality of life many of us take for granted. For San Diegans faced with obstacles from developmental and / or physical disabilities, Camp Able provides lasting memories and life experiences that will be cherished forever. After learning about the robust programs offered at Camp Able, Stacy recommended a grant to ensure the camp could continue to provide these life experiences for children and adults from all over the county.

Camp Able, which will celebrate its 32nd birthday in 2012, was founded by two professors at San Diego State University and is located at the Silver Strand State Beach in Coronado. The Camp provides 500 to 700 children and adults (aged 18 months – 75 years) with a wide range of mental and physical disabilities the opportunity to experience aquatic activities such as kayaking, sailing, and swimming in the ocean. This is the only camp of its kind in San Diego County, and for many individuals it is the highlight of their year. For their families, it is a true gift to witness their loved ones expressing such joy and wonder.

Contact campable@yahoo.com for more information.

The Lauer Fund

BLCL_grantprofile When James Lauer opened a fund at The San Diego Foundation, he was interested in getting some help with his philanthropy. Jim wanted advice and input into where his grantmaking would do the most good. Given his background as a Pro Tem Referee in Juvenile Court judge for the Superior Court in San Diego County, he was aware of the challenges at-risk children, including foster and homeless youth, often face in getting ahead.

Jim turned to TSDF to perform research on San Diego-based organizations that targeted the types of children he wanted to help. After identifying some grantmaking candidates, staff worked to set up site visits at several nonprofits so Jim could see programs in action and meet with key members of their leadership teams. Following the research and site visit process, Jim made several grants to organizations in the County.

At one such organization, Barrio Logan College Institute, Jim became particularly involved, and today sits on its Board of Directors.

“I joined The Foundation as I thought it was in the best position to assist me in my charitable giving and to enable me to achieve the best outcomes. I was also attracted to The Foundation because of its expertise and community knowledge, and I found the staff extremely helpful in identifying charities that might meet the objectives of my fund,” said Jim. “After learning about and touring different nonprofits that help at-risk children, I made grants to organizations that are obtaining good result and where I believed my giving would make the most difference.”

Jose Cruz, Executive Director of Barrio Logan College Institute, is especially grateful for Jim’s contributions on the board. “Jim is knowledgeable and passionate,” said Jose. “We are very appreciative of his dedicated efforts on behalf of BLCI.”

H.G. Fenton Fund Grant Demonstrates Trust and Service in Action

H.G.Fenton Fund The H.G. Fenton Fund was established with The San Diego Foundation in 2001 in part to support the education and technical training of young people entering the building and construction industries.

It is no surprise then that the Fund recently presented North County Trade Tech High a check for $60,000 dollars to sponsor employment of a Trade Instructor. North County Trade Tech High seeks to provide young students from Grade 9 onward with a combination of academic curriculum and the hands-on training required to succeed in the building and construction industry. By giving students an opportunity to acquire work experience and real-life skills, the school also hopes to keep children from dropping out of school and engaging in crime and other non-productive behavior.

After its launch in 2008, the school grew rapidly to 120 students, with the first class of 60 students expected to graduate in 2012. However, subsequent budget cutbacks from California’s Department of Education meant that the school could not proceed with plans to hire a Trade Instructor. The H.G. Fenton Fund recognized the importance of this position as crucial for the school, and this year made a donation to cover the cost of employing a Trade Instructor. This teacher not only provides technical instruction, but also oversees service learning projects. These projects make it possible for students to participate in projects that address the needs of low income seniors, the homeless and the local Boys & Girls Club.

This generous donation is just the latest edition of support in the Fund’s partnership with the school. In 2008, H. G. Fenton contributed $20,000 to fund an Electrical Training and Technology Lab. In 2009, the Fund again supported the electrical lab and also provided support for a Trade Instructor. With these and other similar donations, H.G Fenton has put its credo of “trust and service” into action within the community.

Team Godfather Grantmaking Story

The Ramirez family is an inspiration to us all. When family and friends received the news that Michael Ramirez was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) they rallied together and, within eight months, formed the Team Godfather Charitable Foundation. Rather than being dependent on the efforts of others to discover a cure for his illness, Michael Ramirez leads his Foundation’s work to raise research funds to find cures for life-threatening diseases.

Michael currently serves as the Executive Vice President with Pacific Western Bank. He has always led an active lifestyle and was a football player in college. An avid hiker, Michael has conquered the Sierras and the Andes. Michael’s friends call him the Godfather because he leads by example and provides strong direction to those around him. His unflagging determination to help himself and others in similar circumstances serves to remind us all of the power of positivity and the significance of hope.

With the support of his family and friends, Michael Ramirez is making a difference in the lives of thousands of people affected by terminal diseases. Team Godfather Foundation’s Groovin’ with Godfather event raised $120,000, all of which was donated toward research for a cure to ALS. The most recent grants from the Team Godfather Foundation were $10,000 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association., and $50,000 to the ALS Therapy Development Initiative. For more information on Michael and the Team Godfather Charitable Foundation, check out the web site at www.teamgodfather.org.