In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation established a relief fund to support impacted people and organizations

By Cheri Brown

Cheri Brown

The Morgan Hill Community Foundation’s purpose is two-fold: they provide grants to local nonprofits, and they partner with groups focused on philanthropic projects and start-up nonprofits. As an all-volunteer organization, every dollar donated goes back to Morgan Hill and embodies their philosophy of “Give Where You Live.”

Current President Bob Lipscomb moved to Morgan Hill 29 years ago with his wife Robin and their children. They decided to make Morgan Hill their home, while Bob worked in various locations around the state. In 2007, the foundation applied to the company where Bob worked to sponsor their Philanthropy Night and as a local resident Bob became their point of contact.

Philanthropy Night is Morgan Hill Community Foundation’s annual fundraiser, and more importantly their way of highlighting the work done by local nonprofits. Each year they recognize individuals and the volunteer work they do to make our town a better place. “These are people who have a heart for giving, and don’t generally get recognized,” Lipscomb said.

“At Philanthropy Night we realize how many people need support in Morgan Hill and how many provide support. This is our hometown, and it is personal. Robin was so inspired she became a CASA volunteer, advocating for children who have been neglected or abused.”

The Morgan Hill Community Foundation current partner organizations are BookSmart Community Advantage, Morgan Hill Sister Cities, Kirk’s Kids, El Toro Culture and Arts and Morgan Hill Dog Park. Their recent projects include the All-Inclusive Playground, Morgan Hill Peace Project, Open Studios Art Project and the 442nd Memorial.

The Morgan Hill Community Foundation maintains an annual program which is currently planned for about $20,000 in grants to support local nonprofit programs. They are accepting applications, and more information can be found on their website.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Morgan Hill Community Foundation established a relief fund to support impacted people and organizations. Generous donations were obtained and during a two-year period the Morgan Hill Community Foundation provided more than $200,000 in relief through 68 separate grants. One grant recipient was Martha’s Kitchen. The number of people coming in weekly for a hot meal increased significantly and the grant enabled them to provide 3,000 additional meals. Through a grant to St. Vincent de Paul, dozens of people were able to receive funds to pay their rent or utilities.

The Morgan Hill Community Foundation exists because of gifts of service and donations from our community. To make a difference please “Give Where You Live” donate, volunteer, or come out and honor volunteers Nov. 18 at the 17th Annual Philanthropy Night. Information can be found, and donations made at www.morganhillcf.org.

Cheri Brown is a board member of the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce and writes columns to highlight chamber members. She is a licensed insurance agent representing many different Medicare insurance plans in California, and can be reached at [email protected] or www.cheri-brown.com.