How does the Foundation work?
Since its establishment as a tax exempt qualified charitable fund in 1987, the Foundation corpus has been increased to almost $700,000 through continuous Rotarian contributions, major fund-raisers, like the Auction d’Elegance and Golf Tournament, corporate sponsorship, bequests, and professionally managed investment. The target corpus is $1,000,000, which will allow us to support major projects in Livermore over many years.

Currently, upwards of $30,000 is distributed each year in grant awards.

Why should we do this?
This Foundation puts its resources directly back into the Tri Valley, is a tax-exempt charity, provides a continuity and legacy of benefit, and represents the personal commitment of each giver, doer, and recipient to the betterment of our community. This is a hands-on philanthropy where we can participate in the service, see the effects every day, and watch the growth that we nourish here from year to year. Who is the Foundation? Everyone who donates or uses Foundation funds is the Foundation. Over the first decade more than 60 projects have used $230,000 raised from probably 1,000 generous businesses, individuals, and committed Rotarians. The Foundation is managed on a volunteer basis by an elected Board of Directors who are community and business leaders, and members of the two Livermore Rotary Clubs.

For the record
Over $230,000 has been granted from this Foundation to a wide spectrum of youth-focused projects, for example:

• "I get such terrific satisfaction from helping the kids understand science and see the light go on in their eyes." Retired scientist helping to teach science in a Livermore elementary school. TOPS: Teaching Opportunities for Partners in Science.
  Jointly supported by this Foundation, the Livermore Valley Education Foundation, and the School District
  
  
• "Taking part in the Every Fifteen Minutes dramatization of an accident caused by drunk driving probably changed my life. I will be very careful and help my friends to do the same."
  Livermore High School Senior Jointly funded by this Foundation and our Rotary clubs
  
  
• "The Foundation’s support over the past several years has made parenting classes available to those who most need this help in getting their families started and their lives organized. Thank you."
  The Kid Connection
  
  
• Livermore Rotary started the SELF program 35 years ago and this Foundation recently help boost its funds such that it can now make interest-free college loans to 20 to 25 students per year.
  
• Student Education Loan Fund