By Susan True
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.
We’re excited to announce a new $2 million loan to California FarmLink to support local farmers who face barriers to securing financing for their growing businesses.
Later this month, we’ll announce $2 million in new grants and scholarships to support local nonprofits and students. The complementary elements of our investment, loan, and grantmaking strategies combine to offer many pathways to community impact.
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New $2 Million Loan Supports Local Farmers
Antonia Vega Gonzalez and her husband, José Juan Pulido Garcia, spent more than two decades as farm laborers in California’s strawberry fields, developing experience in every aspect of production while nurturing an entrepreneurial vision.
Today, thanks to financing from California FarmLink via a loan from our Community Investment Revolving Fund, Antonia and José are the proud owners of 23 acres in Pajaro Valley and run Dulce Organic Farms.
Our new $2 million loan to FarmLink will help more local farmers like Antonia and José on the path to land ownership, economic mobility, and wealth building for hardworking immigrant families.
For nonprofits: Would a low-interest loan help make your social impact project happen? Find out more about how to apply by contacting our Investment and Reporting Accountant, Courtney Reed.
Susan True is CEO of Community Foundation Santa Cruz County.
TOP PHOTO: Antonia Vega Gonzalez, owner of Dulce Organic Farms, tending to her vibrant strawberry fields in the Pajaro Valley. • Photo Credit: CA FarmLink