|
Since 1982, we've partnered with generous locals to grow charitable assets that help Santa Cruz County thrive. Together, we've distributed $279 million in grants, scholarships, and loans. Today, the charitable funds we steward have grown to $250 million —and we invest them strategically, using one of the most mission-aligned approaches in the country.
In 2004, we started one of our field’s early socially responsible investment portfolios, and since then, we’ve created new options such as our gender equality-focused Women’s Inclusion Portfolio. In 2015, we launched our Impact Investment program.
Unlike traditional investing, impact investments generate both a financial return and a tangible social or community benefit—positive changes that our grantmaking alone could never do.
Our capital invests in ventures across the country, including those advancing gender and racial equity, supporting affordable housing and renewable energy projects, and building climate and sustainable infrastructure assets and companies.
Our impact investments also include low-interest loans made to nonprofit borrowers right here on the Central Coast. Unlike grants, our low-interest loans are repaid to the Foundation with a financial return, then “recycled” back into the community through additional investments.
Our revolving capital makes loans to projects that address critical social issues we face in Santa Cruz County, like housing affordability, supporting sustainable agriculture, and economic mobility for our county’s diverse workforce. We’ve been proud to partner with local organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Housing Matters, DigitalNEST, Barrios Unidos, and more, to create local impact and local returns.
| 
