By STACY CALDWELL
This year, I’ve had the privilege of traveling the country and being a local host to civic leaders, foundations, and government officials. From engaging with the White House Rural Council to touring North Tahoe with national foundations, people are always amazed at the unique qualities inherent in our rural mountain community. Yes, they always comment on the beauty of our region, but when they hear our stories about the on-the-ground community work happening here, they are always impressed. Consistently, they comment on the sophistication of leaders, the deep collaboration that takes place here, the commitment to inclusiveness and justice, and the innovative ways in which we make these things happen.
I am proud to serve the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation and work with a community of innovative thinkers on our mission. Boiled down, our primary work is to raise dollars, invest dollars, and provide benefit to our community. Because of the willingness of TTCF’s board to use philanthropy and investments as a tool for social and environmental impact, our portfolio of projects reflect the very values that are recognized in our community. These projects include:
• Our new Community House in Kings Beach began with a collaborative conversation about making things better for families and individuals in our community. Our creative approach to raising money and renovating an old, dilapidated motel resulted in a new way of offering social services all in one place through an integrated approach.
• The Queen of Hearts Women’s Fund has recently convened a giving circle of young women who call themselves Girls Giving Back. The girls represent the next generation of givers and are collaborating to raise funds and manage a grant process.
• This spring, we engaged in a unique partnership with Moonshine Ink and SBS Media House to create a compelling story-telling project aimed at capturing stories of innovation in our community. The topic was specific to local food innovations. Elevate Tahoe is inspiring locals to become more intentional about their food sources and consumption.
• Through the innovative decision to use our investments in place-based community projects, we have been recognized nationally. TTCF has been invited to participate in a national leadership circle on impact investing. Our participation will shine a light on our community for a national audience.
• Finally, our Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee just released the updated Community Report Card serving more than 40 different community organizations. The online data tool and corresponding issue briefs help us better understand the issues and trends in our community while highlighting local efforts that are working in areas like economic well-being, health, and education.
In all of these efforts happening at TTCF, I see community members leading the charge. It doesn’t take an outsider for me to recognize the unique leadership, collaboration, and innovation, yet it reinforces my beliefs that not only are we living in a beautiful place, but we are living in an amazing community.
~ Stacy Caldwell is CEO of the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation.
