Ramona Community Foundation plans Sept. 26 grants celebration

Ramona Community Foundation (RCF) will award grants to Ramona nonprofits at Schwaesdall Winery on Thursday, Sept. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The public is invited to attend but, because space is limited, those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by Monday, Sept. 23, to Brittany Bailey at Brittanyb@sdfoundation.org or 619-814-1363. Only those who RSVP will be admitted to the celebration to assure sufficient food and drink for all who attend. Schwaesdall Winery is at 17677 Rancho De Oro Road, off State Route 67.

Approximately $25,000 in grants will be awarded by RCF, an affiliate of The San Diego Foundation, to support programs and nonprofit organizations in and serving the Ramona community.

“This special evening will be a chance for our members to celebrate their accomplishments and an opportunity for all of those who love Ramona to learn more about the Community Foundation and what it means to give back right here in our community,” said Wes Brustad, RCF chair.

The RCF was founded in 2009 to raise money to support the community and meet the emerging needs of Ramona by encouraging and increasing responsible and effective philanthropy. All funds benefit Ramona residents and nonprofits serving Ramona programs, and are tax-deductible. The Ramona residents who participate in this pooled philanthropy program make all grant-making decisions.

Two charitable funds were created to serve the community through the RCF — one for immediate grant-making and one as an endowment to serve needs in perpetuity. Individuals and business members of RCF donate $1,000 a year and their membership dues are split between the two funds.

This year, additional grant-making dollars came from the Matt McLaughlin Endowment Fund at The San Diego Foundation, established to benefit the North County region. The Matt McLaughlin Live Here, Give Here Matching Program allows RCF to double its impact over the next three years by matching the grant-making portion of all membership dollars.