The American River Conservancy in El Dorado County was one of many local organizations to receive grants from the Sacramento Region Community Foundation in 2025. Photo courtesy of the American River Conservancy

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – The Sacramento Region Community Foundation is the leader in managing, facilitating and connecting generous local donors with deserving grant recipients. In 2025 alone, local donors awarded a whopping $22.2 million through Sacramento Region Community Foundation.

“Each grant and scholarship reflects generosity, care, and responsiveness,” said Kerry Wood, CEO of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation. “Every gift, no matter the size, represents an act of care for community and helps ensure resources reach organizations where they can make a difference. The end result is meaningful, substantial, and astounding. In fact, since our inception in 1983, the cumulative total is more than $300M in grants made to enhance the people and nonprofits in our region.”

Grant Highlights From 2025

More than three-quarters of total dollars awarded ($17.1 million) supported causes located within the Sacramento region, including grants to local nonprofits and scholarships for students attending area schools.

Grantmaking in youth development and food, agriculture and nutrition increased significantly over 2024, aligned with focused investments to address food security in Yolo County and youth educational outcomes in Sacramento’s Del Paso Heights. The increase also reflects the local philanthropists’ response to emerging needs, such as emergency relief tied to SNAP funding instability.

The majority of grants were awarded through customized giving accounts established by local people, families and businesses at Sacramento Region Community Foundation and its partner, Yolo Community Foundation. Grants also include a portion of donations made during a record-breaking Big Day of Giving, the region’s annual giving event.

In Sacramento County, $12.1 million was awarded through 3,000 grants. The top mission areas supported included arts, culture and humanities, human services and youth development. Organizations receiving significant support include Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera, Roberts Family Development Center and Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

In Yolo County, $3.7 million was awarded through 700 grants. The top mission areas supported in this area include food, agriculture and nutrition, education and human services. Organizations receiving significant support include UC Davis Foundation, Yolo Food Bank and City of Davis.

Looking forward to 2026, the Sacramento Region Community Foundation will offer a robust variety of grant opportunities to organizations caring for animals, offering bicycle safety courses and supporting seniors.

The Sacramento Region Community Foundation also provides the vision, leadership and engine behind Big Day of Giving, which returns on Thursday, May 7. To date, the flagship program has generated more than $117 million for hundreds of area nonprofits since its inception in 2013.

Community members, businesses and/or organizations interested in establishing funds in partnership with the Sacramento Region Community Foundation can learn more at www.sacregcf.org/donors. For more information about the center of philanthropy in the greater Capital City region, visit www.sacregcf.org.

About Sacramento Region Community Foundation

Since 1983, the Sacramento Region Community Foundation has awarded over $275 million in grants and scholarships on behalf of local people, families and businesses – and through its flagship program to grow charitable giving in the capital area, Big Day of Giving. The center of philanthropy in the capital area, the Foundation's mission is to lead, serve, and inspire enduring philanthropy for a just and vibrant Sacramento region. Learn more at www.sacregcf.org.