Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $4.1 million (2023)
• Success Rate: Not applicable (trust-based grantmaking as of 2025)
• Decision Time: Direct awards (no application process)
• Grant Range: $8,000 average (2025 unrestricted grants)
• Geographic Focus: Tahoe-Truckee region (TTUSD boundaries)

Contact Details

• Website: https://www.ttcf.net/
• Phone: 530-587-1776
• Email: info@ttcf.net
• Grant Inquiries:
  • Phyllis: phyllis@ttcf.net
  • Dana: dana@ttcf.net
• Address: PO Box 366, Truckee, CA 96160

Overview

Founded in 1998, the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation (TTCF) is the largest grantmaking organization in the Lake Tahoe region, with approximately $27 million in assets. Since 1999, TTCF has awarded $48 million in grants and scholarships, driven by a mission to "bring together trusted partners to align strategies and inspire philanthropy to nurture a resilient community and environment." The foundation has earned a 97% Charity Navigator rating and recently transitioned to trust-based grantmaking in 2025, eliminating competitive applications. TTCF focuses on four special initiatives: Family Strengthening & Mental Health, Forest Futures Initiative ($30M campaign with $16.44M raised), Achievable Housing Solutions ($80M leveraged), and Impact Investing.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Unrestricted Community Grants: ~$8,000 average (trust-based, no application)
• Forest Futures Initiative Grants: ~$60,000-$100,000 (competitive, annual cycle)
• Workforce Scholarships: $19,000 average (competitive, May application)
• Special Initiative Grants: Varies by program (invitation/partnership basis)

Priority Areas

• Arts and Culture
• Education and Youth Development
• Environment, Conservation, and Animal Welfare
• Health and Human Services
• Forest Health and Wildfire Mitigation (140,000 acres impacted since 2021)
• Achievable Housing Solutions
• Mental Health and Family Strengthening
• Workforce Development

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations outside the Tahoe-Truckee region (TTUSD boundaries)
• Organizations not aligned with the four priority program areas
• Specific exclusions not publicly documented (contact staff for details)

Governance and Leadership

CEO/President: Stacy Caldwell, CFRE - Over 20 years experience in venture philanthropy and social innovation Chief Operating Officer: Sache Cantu Board of Directors: 15 professionals and community advocates

Notable board expertise includes legal (Porter Simon shareholder), social impact banking (Beneficial State Foundation), and local community leadership. Recent board additions include Cheryl Schrady, Lynn Madonna, Mike Rayfield, and Rob Darby.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Community Grants (2025 onward): This funder has transitioned to trust-based grantmaking with NO public application process. TTCF staff proactively identifies and invites eligible nonprofits to receive unrestricted grants. Organizations cannot apply directly but should contact Phyllis (phyllis@ttcf.net) or Dana (dana@ttcf.net) to discuss funding opportunities.

Forest Futures Grants: Competitive application process

• Application period: January 9 - February 18
• Online portal submission

Workforce Scholarships: Competitive application process

• Applications open in May annually
• For Fall or Winter/Spring enrollment

Getting on Their Radar

• Participate in Give Back Tahoe campaign (year-round nonprofit directory)
• Engage with Mountain Housing Council (28-partner coalition)
• Connect with TTCF's special initiatives aligned with your work
• Build relationships with program staff Phyllis and Dana
• Demonstrate clear service to TTUSD boundary communities

Decision Timeline

Community Grants: Direct awards with no waiting period Forest Futures: 2-3 months from application close Scholarships: Awards announced for fall enrollment

Success Rates

Not applicable for current trust-based grantmaking model. In 2025, 60 nonprofits received unrestricted grants through staff selection.

Reapplication Policy

Trust-based model eliminates traditional reapplication. Organizations receive ongoing support based on community impact and alignment with TTCF priorities.

Application Success Factors

Based on TTCF's trust-based approach and funding patterns:

• Clear demonstration of service within TTUSD boundaries (Donner Summit, Truckee, Olympic Valley, Lake Tahoe west/north shores)
• Alignment with one of four special initiatives shows strategic fit
• Participation in collaborative efforts like Mountain Housing Council or Forest Futures partnerships
• Track record of community impact - TTCF awarded its largest grant ever ($1M) to Sierra Institute based on demonstrated forest economy leadership
• For Forest Futures specifically: projects showing measurable acreage impact and workforce development components
• Financial transparency and organizational sustainability (TTCF values high Charity Navigator ratings)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• TTCF has eliminated competitive grant applications - focus on relationship building with program staff rather than application writing
• The foundation prioritizes collaborative, multi-partner initiatives over isolated projects
• Forest Futures remains competitive with specific application windows - prepare comprehensive proposals showing acreage impact
• Consider workforce development components - TTCF invests heavily in local workforce through $520,100 in annual scholarships
• Leverage TTCF's convening power - they excel at bringing partners together for larger impact
• Trust-based model means reporting requirements are reduced - emphasize mission alignment over detailed metrics
• Geographic boundaries are strict - must clearly serve TTUSD area residents

References

• Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation Official Website: https://www.ttcf.net/ (Accessed March 2024)
• TTCF Impact Report: https://ttcfimpactreport.net/ (Accessed March 2024)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - TTCF Profile: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/680416404 (Accessed March 2024)
• Charity Navigator Rating: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/680416404 (Accessed March 2024)
• Candid Foundation Directory: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=TRUC003 (Accessed March 2024)
• Give Back Tahoe Campaign: https://www.givebacktahoe.org/organization/Tahoe-Truckee-Community-Foundation (Accessed March 2024)
• Sierra Sun News Articles on TTCF Grants and Initiatives (2023-2025)
• IRS Exempt Organizations Database: https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/detailsPage?ein=680416404 (Accessed March 2024)