Since 2011, the Ramona Community Foundation (RCF) has granted more than $158,000 to 42 nonprofit programs to benefit those who live, work and play in Ramona.
One of eight regional affiliates at The San Diego Foundation, RCF continued this charitable giving trend at the 2016 Grants Celebration by awarding $39,700 to fund 10 nonprofit projects that demonstrate the power to build a more vibrant and engaged community.
In recognition of RCF’s 2016 commitment to encourage and increase effective and responsible philanthropy in its neighborhood, the Ramona Chamber of Commerce honored RCF with the Nonprofit of the Year award.
In celebration of this honor, we connected with a few San Diegans who have been impacted by RCF grantmaking.
Pixie Sulser, Principal, Ramona Elementary School
Program: ArtReach Access to Art Program: Visual Arts Education at Ramona Elementary School
Nonprofit Grantee: ArtReach
2016 Grant Award: $7,000
“Without ArtReach’s Access to Art Program, no formalized visual arts instruction would take place on our campus and none of our students would have the opportunity to work with a practicing artist. Thanks to this program, our campus blossoms with art and our students are becoming confident innovators and artists.”
– Pixie Sulser, Principal, Ramona Elementary School
Program: Senior Companion Program
Nonprofit Grantee: Lutheran Social Services of Southern California
2016 Grant Award: $3,500
“My ability to get out of my isolated location has allowed me to live a much better quality life and tend to business, thanks to the senior companion program.”
– 93-year-old Senior Client
[Tweet “#Ramona Community Foundation Awarded Local Nonprofit of the Year”]
Aden Kovacic and Chips the horse.
Program: On-site and Off-site Sessions and Visits
Nonprofit Grantee: Heart and Hooves Therapy
2016 Grant Award: $3,000
“The greatest impact on-site sessions have had for Aden is that he has a place to go where he can love on a horse who has had a challenging life, just like Aden. It is such a joy when I pick him up from a session and he is just talking away about the animals! Our family is so grateful for the Heart and Hooves Therapy program!”
– Salena Kovacic, step-mother to 12-year-old Aden Kovacic, On-site Sessions Attendee
How has RCF or its grantee programs impacted your life? Share your story in the comments below to help RCF celebrate the Nonprofit of the Year award!
On August 9, 2022, we awarded $838,704 in Opening the Outdoors grants to 24 nonprofit organizations that offer equitable access to outdoor spaces in San Diego County.
“San Diego Foundation is proud to once again support its partners committed to increasing community-driven efforts to enhance accessible outdoor space, encourage youth to learn more through hands-on education and create the next generation of environmental stewards in the San Diego region,” said Christiana DeBenedict, SDF Director of Environment Initiatives.
This year’s grantees will help address these inequities and enhance access to the outdoors throughout San Diego County.
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