Established in 1991, El Dorado Community Foundation serves the El Dorado County region with a mission of strengthening the community both now and for future generations. A dedicated team of six guides the foundation on its mission in partnership with a board of directors made up of 11 community members from throughout El Dorado County. 

The foundation fulfills its mission in a variety of ways, including growing philanthropic funding to support the region through tax-benefit vehicles for donors with varied charitable interests and giving abilities, such as Donor Advised Funds or Scholarship Funds; supporting the development and needs of many nonprofit organizations that execute impactful work; serving as a catalyst, convener and partner in shaping effective responses to community needs and opportunities; and maintaining a Community Resource Fund to respond nimbly during local catastrophes such as wildfires.

“Every action we take centers around one key principle: we amplify good where we live.”- Amy Pooley, Executive Director

“Every action we take — whether offering tax-exempt tools for donors, supporting our nonprofit partners, serving as fiscal sponsors for community projects or aiding in emergency responses — centers around one key principle: we amplify good where we live,” says Executive Director Amy Pooley. “Local philanthropy is the driver of positive community impacts.”

El Dorado Community Foundation houses more than 300 unique philanthropic funds and manages nearly $35 million in assets. However, their greatest successes are the families fed, the students empowered to go to college, the animals rescued and the hope given to community members in need. 

In 2024, partnered with generous donors and fundholders, El Dorado Community Foundation awarded more than $4 million dollars in impact funding. This includes $577,000 in competitive grants to nonprofit organizations, $330,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors, $86,000 in crisis support and $2.7 million in donor-directed gifts. 

“We’re committed to fostering a culture of giving by empowering individuals and organizations to make meaningful contributions to our community’s well-being,” concludes Pooley. “We will continue to nurture relationships with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to ensure that our efforts are aligned with our region’s most pressing needs and aspirations. Together, we continue to foster positive change that will endure for generations to come.”