San Joaquin Community Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $7,794,599 (2024)
• Total Assets: $41 million (2025)
• Grant Range: Up to $100,000 (varies by program)
• Geographic Focus: San Joaquin County, California
• Total Funds: 191 funds
• EIN: 26-1476916

Contact Details

Address: 6731 Herndon Place, Stockton, CA 95219

Phone: (209) 943-2375

Website: www.sanjoaquincf.org

Key Contact: George Lorente, Director of Grants & Scholarships
Email: glorente@sanjoaquincf.org

For Technical Assistance: Alfonso Villalobos, Grants and Scholarship Associate
Email: avillalobos@sanjoaquincf.org

Overview

The San Joaquin Community Foundation (SJCF) was established in 2007 when CB Merchant Services and its Foundation announced its commitment to support the formation of the Community Foundation of San Joaquin in celebration of its 90th Anniversary. The foundation has experienced significant growth, with assets expanding from $18 million to more than $41 million as of 2025. SJCF provides leadership, promotes a culture of giving, and cultivates resources that address the needs of San Joaquin County.

The foundation manages 191 funds and awarded $7,794,599 in grants during 2024, supporting nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community initiatives primarily in San Joaquin County. SJCF has earned a 4/4 Star rating on Charity Navigator with a score of 97%. The foundation's mission emphasizes recognizing "the depth of disparities and inequities in our county" and prioritizing efforts to "work with and support disenfranchised and marginalized communities." In 2023, SJCF and Edge Collaborative received a $7.55 million grant from The James Irvine Foundation to advance inclusive, regional economic and workforce development efforts.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Health Fund

• Amount: $125,000 total for 2025; maximum $40,000 per applicant
• Focus: Improving healthcare services, promoting health outcomes, supporting medical education
• Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local public education agencies in San Joaquin County
• Application Process: Two-stage process with Letter of Interest deadline (July) and full application (October)
• Awards Announced: December, with funds available January 1

Community Wealth Building Grant

• Amount: Approximately $300,000 total; up to $100,000 per applicant
• Focus: Two tracks - (1) Land & Real Estate Acquisition, (2) Community Ownership Entity Development
• Eligibility: Nonprofits operating in and serving San Joaquin County, organizations within 36 months of acquiring land/real estate or launching community ownership entities
• Partnership: In collaboration with Edge Collaborative
• Application: Rolling basis when open

Community Economic Mobilization Initiative (CEMI)

• Amount: $1.6 million initiative; Round 2 offered $900,000 to regrant with up to $100,000 for individual organizations
• Focus: Building nonprofit knowledge and capacity to participate in local, state, and federal funding opportunities
• Partnership: With The Center at Sierra Health Foundation and Edge Collaborative
• Funding Source: Sierra Health Foundation grant

Stockton Housing Innovation Fund (SHIF)

• Amount: Up to $50,000 per grant
• Focus: Housing-related activities, addressing housing insecurity and racial disparities in housing
• Governance: Community Oversight Board of local residents
• Status: Awarded 4 grants in 2023 and 5 in 2024 totaling $550,000; not open in 2025 as they continue fundraising
• Contact: Amy Portello Nelson at anelson@sanjoaquincf.org

Brian M. Stocker Fund

• Focus: Youth athletics programs, aquatics sports, especially for economically disadvantaged youth
• Type: Invitation only
• History: Established in 2018; provided $275,000 over 10 years for aquatics opportunities in Lodi

Big Ideas in Workforce Development

• Focus: New ideas to transform the workforce development ecosystem in Stockton and surrounding region
• Status: Application closed September 6, 2024

Priority Areas

The foundation organizes its work around four strategic focus areas:

1. Healthy Communities: Quality, affordable healthcare access; mental health and rehabilitation services; active lifestyles with access to nature and green space

2. Thriving Families: Supporting family stability and community connections

3. Empowered Minds: Educational support and scholarship programs (35 youth scholarships offered)

4. Inclusive Economies: Jobs and workforce development; climate initiatives; community wealth building through asset ownership

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations not located in or directly benefiting San Joaquin County residents
• Private foundations under Section 509(a)
• Organizations without 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status (with exception of local public education agencies)

Governance and Leadership

Michael P. Duffy, President & CEO (joined May 1, 2025)
Former President and CEO of Financial Center Credit Union with over 12 years of experience. Duffy stated: "I'm especially passionate about our region's future and all the opportunities it brings—be it youth development, fostering the regional healthcare system, increasing local economic opportunity, and simply making the 209 a better place to live." He also emphasized: "This opportunity allows me to merge my professional experience with my personal commitment to community service."

George Lorente, Director of Grants & Scholarships
Over 12 years of grants management experience. Previously served as Grants Manager for San Joaquin Regional Transit District where he secured and managed over $200 million in grants. Holds an M.S. in Transportation Management from San Jose State University's Lucas Graduate School of Business.

Amy Portello Nelson, Chief Strategy & Impact Officer

Board Leadership:

• Becky Diel, Chairperson
• Rick McCarty, Vice Chairperson
• Daryl Petrick, Treasurer
• Gary Singh, Secretary
• Peter Ragsdale, noted as Chairperson (Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin since 2015)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Most grant programs use a two-stage application process:

1. Letter of Interest submission
2. Full application (by invitation)

Applications submitted through online Grant Lifecycle Manager portal: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfsanjoaquin

Technical assistance available through Alfonso Villalobos at avillalobos@sanjoaquincf.org

Community Health Fund Timeline:

• Letter of Interest Deadline: July 18, 5:00 PM PST
• Full Application Deadline: October 10, 5:00 PM PST
• Awards Announced: December
• Funds Available: January 1

Decision Timeline

Approximately 5 months from Letter of Interest to award announcement for Community Health Fund. Other programs vary - contact program officer for specific timelines.

Success Rates

Specific success rates not publicly disclosed. In 2024, SJCF awarded $7,794,599 in grants. Programs are competitive with multi-stage review processes.

Reapplication Policy

Not explicitly stated. Contact grants team for specific guidance.

Application Success Factors

• Demonstrate alignment with equity mission: Show how your project addresses disparities and supports marginalized communities in San Joaquin County
• Strong local connection: Must be located in and directly serve San Joaquin County residents
• Align with focus areas: Connect to Healthy Communities, Thriving Families, Empowered Minds, or Inclusive Economies
• Use available resources: Attend informational webinars and utilize technical assistance from staff
• Show organizational capacity: Demonstrate readiness to implement proposed programs with strong financial management
• Community engagement: Evidence of community participation in program design and implementation
• Strategic approach: For specialized grants (CEMI, workforce), show potential for systemic change

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic eligibility is strictly enforced - all activities must directly benefit San Joaquin County residents
• Equity-centered applications stand out - explicitly frame impact on disparities and marginalized communities
• Leverage technical assistance - contact George Lorente or Alfonso Villalobos for guidance
• Multiple funding pathways available - explore Agency Funds, 209Gives, and various grant programs
• Strong new leadership commitment - CEO Michael Duffy emphasizes youth development, healthcare, and economic opportunity
• Community-driven solutions valued - foundation uses Community Oversight Boards and values community leadership
• Two-stage process requires planning - prepare strong Letter of Interest to secure invitation for full application

References

• San Joaquin Community Foundation Official Website: https://sanjoaquincf.org (Accessed February 2026)
• Community Health Fund Program Page: https://sanjoaquincf.org/where-we-focus/healthy-communities/community-health-fund/ (Accessed February 2026)
• Who We Are - Leadership and Mission: https://sanjoaquincf.org/who-we-are/ (Accessed February 2026)
• Community Wealth Building Grant: https://sanjoaquincf.org/where-we-focus/inclusive-economies/community-wealth-building/ (Accessed February 2026)
• Stockton Housing Innovation Fund: https://sanjoaquincf.org/where-we-focus/inclusive-economies/stockton-housing-innovation-fund/ (Accessed February 2026)
• Inclusive Economy Initiative Announcement: https://sanjoaquincf.org/the-james-irvine-grant-award/ (Accessed February 2026)
• 209Gives Information: https://sanjoaquincf.org/nonprofits/209gives/ (Accessed February 2026)
• New CEO Announcement: https://sanjoaquincf.org/two-san-joaquin-county-community-foundations-announce-new-presidents-and-ceos/ (Accessed February 2026)
• Charity Navigator Rating: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/261476916 (Accessed February 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/261476916 (Accessed February 2026)