Stanislaus Community Foundation

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.

Our office will be closed in observance of the holiday and will reopen on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.

Fund Spotlight: Carter Dewing Memorial Scholarship

Carter Dewing was a beloved son and friend – a bright light for all who knew him, remembered for his generous spirit, caring heart, and infectious smile. He was a dedicated student and athlete who loved music, family gatherings, and spending time with friends.

While attending Modesto High School, he embraced all that the campus had to offer. He participated in Leadership, Mock Trial, volunteered in Youth Court, and was selected as a California Legion of Honor Boys State Delegate – a role that reflected his drive to learn, lead and engage.

Read more on the SCF Blog: stanislauscf.org/blog

Yesterday, members of the Stanislaus Community Foundation (SCF) team attended the 2026 Stronger Together Conference: Building a Better Central Valley. Hosted by United Way of Stanislaus County, the event brought together leaders, partners, and changemakers from across sectors to connect, collaborate, and explore what's possible when we work together to meet the needs of our region.

Our President & CEO, Marian Kaanon, had the honor of moderating a panel of local leaders who shared insights on the leadership challenges they are facing as they work to advance their missions across the Central Valley. SCF was also proud to support the lineup of the day's speakers, bringing in Dwight Smith from the Groundwater Institute to share about the "Groundwater Approach" to creating systemic change that benefits everyone.

By the end of the day, the message was clear: meaningful change starts locally – and together, we can build a stronger, more connected Central Valley.

The Stanislaus Community Foundation team and members of the Board and Grants Committee recently visited the Modesto Gospel Mission, a local nonprofit organization that has provided a place for refuge, recovery, and restoration to the most vulnerable members of our community since 1948. While the organization is widely known for offering daily meals and a safe place to sleep, their services extend far beyond that – including life skills classes, employment training and assistance, addiction recovery, a 12-month New Life Program, and an after school youth center.

Our visit included a tour of the Modesto Gospel Mission's latest project: Hannah's House. The new shelter, which opened its doors in Spring of 2025, is a dedicated space for women and women with children experiencing homelessness in our community. Through structured classes, weekly counseling, and other wraparound services, Hannah's House provides stability that allows women and children to heal, grow, and rebuild their lives.

To learn more about the Modesto Gospel Mission, visit mymission.org.

News from Stanislaus Community Foundation - https://mailchi.mp/stanislauscf/news-from-stanislaus-community-foundation-may-2026

Today, we celebrate the FOUR year work anniversary of our Administrative & Scholarships Coordinator, Jessica!

Pai Chang, SCF's Controller, shared, "Jessica is one of those people who quietly holds everything together. She steps in wherever needed, is steady and dependable, and lifts everyone with her can do spirit. We are so lucky to have her on our team." 💜

SCF Staff had a blast at the Makes Dreams Real Co****le Tournament yesterday at the Del Rio Country Club! Several local nonprofit agencies, all beneficiaries of the generosity of Boyett Petroleum, joined us to enjoy some delicious BBQ and celebrate the vital work they do to support youth in our community.

SCF is proud to have the Makes Dreams Real Endowment Fund as part of our family of funds.

The Porges Nonprofit Excellence Initiative kicked off this week with a dynamic Build Board Leadership That Lasts training, facilitated by Youth Leadership Institute. CEOs, Executive Directors, and Board Members came together to explore effective board governance practices while building connections with peers from other local nonprofits.

Participants engaged in hands-on learning and thoughtful discussions, gaining valuable tools and resources to strengthen their boards. The energy in the room was inspiring, and attendees left excited to bring new strategies back to their organizations.

As one participant shared, “It’s rare to attend something that feels both practical and empowering, especially for nonprofit leaders who are often carrying so much with limited support.”

Boyett Petroleum, with support from Stanislaus Community Foundation, is proud to announce the 2026 Make Dreams Real Grantees. Established in 2010 by Carl and Carole Boyett, the Make Dreams Real Endowment Fund aims to make dreams real for school-aged children in Stanislaus County through participation in programs that enrich and stimulate their minds and bodies, and teach values through service learning.

This year, a total of $380,616 was awarded – the most in a single year in Make Dreams Real History! To learn more, visit stanislauscf.org/make-dreams-real.