Sonora Area Foundation Continues To Make Impact

In 2011, the Sonora Area Foundation awarded over $1.23 million in grants and scholarships to local recipients.

Ed Wylie, Sonora Area Foundation Executive Director, was Thursday’s KVML “Newsmaker of the Day”.

The Sonora Area Foundation was established in 1990, and channels donor contributions to projects in the county. It has administered nearly over $14 million in grants since its inception.

The Sonora Area Foundation has a mission of strengthening its communities. It does that through three functions:

Assisting Donors – The Foundation provides a safe, easy way for people and businesses to make a difference, and assures that their contributions will do good work now and in years to come. Donors may give to existing funds, establish new funds specifically for their individual charitable goals and interests, or may give to the Foundation’s unrestricted fund. The Foundation can simplify the giving process, making it quicker and less costly for donors than handling the details themselves or setting up a private foundation. Our experienced staff is committed to providing donors with secure, flexible and convenient services.

Awarding grants – The Foundation’s governing board has a pool of discretionary funds, and regularly awards grants to qualified non-profit and public agencies. These grants are competitive, and awarded for worthy projects that help improve the quality of life in Tuolumne County, whether for education, human services, recreation, arts or the environment.

Leading the community – As a respected, neutral organization, the Foundation’s duties go beyond donor services and grant making. The Foundation is also a community leader that brings all sides into discussion on important issues and helps find solutions. The Foundation has convened the community on topics as broad as the future and as specific as school services and regional transportation needs.

Wylie is a Sonora native who retired in 2010 after a 32 year career in land use planning and public works administration. In retirement, Wylie was a member of the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity for Tuolumne County and was chair of Habitat’s construction committee during the start of its Parrotts Ferry Village project.

According to Wylie, the Foundation’s Board of Directors is clearly focused on its road ahead, and continues to work together to strengthen the Mother Lode communities and families through the good works for which the Foundation is known.

For more information, log onto http://www.sonora-area.org 

Wylie also invites people to stop by the office at 362 S. Stewart Street, or call (209)533-2596.

The “Newsmaker of the Day” is heard each weekday morning on AM 1450 KVML at 6:47, 7:47 and 8:47am.