Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation Supports Community Groups with Special 30th Anniversary CARE Fund
In recognition of the nonprofit sector’s essential work in improving the quality of life in Contra Costa County, the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation is delighted to award $340,000 in CARE Fund grants. The grants will strengthen the capacity, wellness and resiliency of 43 local nonprofits that serve Contra Costa County’s children and families.
“This special fund is about nurturing the wellness and resiliency of the community-based organizations and the people who serve Contra Costa County’s children and families so they can continue to support our community,” said Steve Lesher, Lesher Foundation Board President. “The incredible response we received motivated us to increase our funding to support even more local nonprofits than initially planned.”
The Lesher Foundation received 88 CARE Fund applications totaling over $1.1 million and awarded $340,000 to 43 grant recipients. A quarter of these are newer nonprofits, serving Contra Costa County for less than 10 years. The overwhelming response affirms the significant resource gap for nonprofits to support organizational capacity and wellness and address common challenges, such as rising operating costs and staff recruitment, retention and burnout. Grant recipients will utilize the funds for strategic planning, retreats, professional development and staff wellness stipends.
“The Lesher Foundation believes in the enduring strength and wisdom of the nonprofit sector, which is why the CARE Fund prioritizes staff care and organizational resilience as key to enhancing the well-being of our community,” said Devorah Levine, Executive Director of the Lesher Foundation. “We are inspired by local nonprofits’ creative solutions and dedication to fostering care and growth, which we recognize as essential to them surviving and thriving.”