About the foundation

The Community Foundation of San Carlos was established in November 2019 with a $2M endowment from the City of San Carlos. The foundation was formed to make San Carlos an even better place to live, work, study and play for current and future generations. We want to amplify the impact of nonprofits serving the community.

The Community Foundation of San Carlos serves as a connector for the community and local organizations by identifying community needs, disseminating information and sharing resources. The Community Foundation maintains a non-profit directory and community calendar, administers a grant program, and serves as a connector for volunteers and connector for organizations. We address identified community needs by bringing together local nonprofits, service organizations, community leaders and local philanthropists to contribute time, in-kind goods & services, and financial resources to create sustainable solutions.

In 2020, we are focused on further understanding community and nonprofit organization needs. We are establishing relationships in order to amplify the good work of existing local nonprofits and service organizations.

What is a Community Foundation?

Community foundations are grant-making public charities that are dedicated to improving the lives of people in a defined local geographic area. They bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses to support effective nonprofits in their communities.

WHAT we do

San Carlos Community Foundation plays a central role in bringing together people and resources together to address our community’s most challenging opportunities. To address these opportunities and fund solutions, we bring together local nonprofits, caring donors and community leaders to contribute both financial resources and innovative ideas that effect lasting change.

In our initial years as we invest our initial endowment, our focus will be to amplify and support the good work of effective nonprofits and service organizations serving the San Carlos Community. Our Community includes everyone who lives, works, learns and plays in San Carlos.

FOUNDING STORY

In 2018, the city of San Carlos received funds from a legal settlement with PG&E concerning the safety of a natural gas pipeline. The City Council voted unanimously to set aside $2 million to create a Community Foundation.

Late 2018, a city-wide call was put out for volunteers to participate in a Steering Committee. 56 people applied and 15 were selected ranging vastly in background and experiences representative of the San Carlos community. The first meeting of the steering committee was November 29, 2018.

The Steering Committee met every two weeks through May 2019 and subcommittees (Investment Policy, Grant Policy, Fundraising, Branding & Marketing, and Bylaws) were formed to draft the proposal for the formation of the San Carlos Community Foundation to City Council.

The drafted proposal and initial budget request was introduced during the May 13, 2019 San Carlos City Council meeting. The proposal was well received and supported. On August 21, 2019 the Founding Board Members and officers were elected. Just shy of one year from the first steering committee meeting, the City of San Carlos and the Community Foundation of San Carlos signed the Endowment Agreement.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of San Carlos performs strategic philanthropy to create and amplify sustained and measurable impact for the San Carlos community.

Our Values

Our values guide us as we make important decisions that drive us toward improving our community.
**Impact** - We strive to support programs that are effective in solving community problems and driving positive outcomes for current and future generations.
**Transparency** - We are open and honest in our goals, policies, programs, and communications.
**Collaboration** - We facilitate connections and foster an environment in which residents, businesses, and nonprofits work together to improve the San Carlos community.
**Responsibility** - We put our best effort into our work, ensuring that our decisions are well-informed and our programs follow best practices. We are financially accountable for stewardship of community funds.

A Safety Net for Communities

*" Foundations and Nonprofits come in to service the gaps — a safety net for communities. There is an invisible group of non-profits that holds it all together for human need.”*

**— Diana Conti, CEO of PARCA**

Board of Directors

Linda Garvey

President

Board Member Since 2022

I moved to San Carlos in 1987 when my husband, Mike, was appointed City Manager. We never thought we’d remain in town for so long, but professional opportunities and personal connections kept us rooted to this place. Over the years I have volunteered in the classrooms of my three children, served on PTA, and written grants for local schools.

In 1999 I led a project with Central Middle School 8th graders to interview long-time residents. The project resulted in an oral history of the town entitled San Carlos Stories. In 2000 I began my second career as a history teacher at Carlmont High School, where I remained until retirement in 2018. I have a deep appreciation for the unique qualities of San Carlos and hope I can offer my knowledge of the city to support and further the goals and vision of the Foundation.

Will Strohl

Vice President

Board Member Since 2021

Will Strohl is a published author and technologist in the San Francisco area. During his career, Will has held positions ranging from help desk technician to being the CEO & Co-Owner at Hotcakes Commerce. Today, Will is the founder and CEO of Upendo Ventures, providing software development, training, and technical consulting to companies around the world. Will has three grown children, is originally from San Diego, and has lived in San Carlos since 2011. Upon moving to San Carlos, he instantly fell in love with the people, neighborhoods, downtown, hiking trails, and the many other amenities we enjoy here daily. In addition to volunteering for the Community Foundation of San Carlos, he also serves on the Hiller Airport Runway Run committee, helps run a local chamber of commerce networking group, helps promote our many downtown businesses, contributes to San Carlos Life, and is an avid supporter of Star Vista.

Lena Silberman

Secretary

Board Member Since 2023

I grew up in San Carlos, having moved here with my family at four years old. Together we spent time enjoying the beautiful environment and the warmth of the community. I played soccer for San Carlos teams and worked at a local business on Laurel. San Carlos will always be home. After graduating in 2020 from CalPoly SLO with a degree in Sociology and Ethnic Studies, I returned home and began a career in public service. I first served as a legislative aide for (then) San Mateo County District 3 Supervisor Don Horsley. This work allowed me to learn more about the complexities and challenges of the broader local community, see what quality leadership could achieve and ignited a passion for helping people through local action. I now work for the County’s Chief Executive Mike Callagy on special projects including: Homelessness, Poverty, and Domestic Violence, issues that I care deeply about. I see service to the Community Foundation as a further outlet for my passion and am grateful for the opportunity to help San Carlos in any way I can.

Jessica Yang

Steering Committee

BOARD MEMBER Since 2019

Our family moved to San Carlos in the Summer of 2017. We are blessed with the small-town feel and great public schools for our little one and were pleasantly surprised by a welcoming senior community and accessible services for our aging parents. I jumped at the opportunity to join the Steering Committee as a way to maintain our town’s charm through proactively supporting the great work of local nonprofits and service organizations. I bring to the Community Foundation my energy and passion for connecting people and building community supported by over 20 years of experience in the technology sector building partnerships, delivering innovative products and services to the masses. I currently serve as an executive board member for Music at Kohl Mansion and am a former board member of Little Wonders, a parent-child center.

Josh D. Zaroor

Board Member since 2022

A sense of belonging to something important and doing my part to make it better is why we live in San Carlos and why I’m excited to be a part of our community foundation. My family loves what San Carlos has to offer, including the many communities within a community which make it such a special place to live- our St Charles School and Parish, our School Street neighbors, and the parks and rec sports leagues. I bring 25 years experience in marketing and program management to the team, and recently served on the San Carlos Economic Development Advisory Commission and as chair of the St Charles School Advisory Board.

Michael Campbell

Interim Treasurer

Steering Committee

Board Member Since 2019

I’ve made San Carlos my home for nearly my entire adult life. My wife and I raised our son here, getting to know our neighbors not just on our block, but all over the city through the schools, youth sports, and so many other activities and events. As a long-time technical entrepreneur and former youth sports coach, I bring everything I’ve learned about advocating for customers and serving on teams to my work at the foundation.

Patricia Love

Board Member Since 2021

I have lived in San Carlos since 1999. Contrary to the extremes that have sometimes characterized Silicon Valley over the years, San Carlos has been a solid rock - a great community, residents focused on the right things, and a wonderful place to raise a family. After benefiting from the city’s many gifts, participating on the Foundation's Board gives me the opportunity to serve the San Carlos community and gain a new perspective on the city.

Sandy Kraft

Board Member Since 2020

I lived in seven states and four countries before landing in San Carlos five years ago. When I founded Neighbors Helping Neighbors in March 2020, I found out how many truly wonderful, generous, and interesting people there are in San Carlos and the neighboring towns. I’ve volunteered throughout much of my life in hands-on roles, as a nonprofit consultant, and as a board member and hope these will help me contribute positively to the Foundation. I’m the former President of the Wellesley Club of Silicon Valley and have served on the board of Family Supportive Housing, a family shelter in San Jose. I look forward to working with this impressive board and continuing to work with the incredible volunteers who have been helping others in our community through the foundation and Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Together, I know we can have a big impact!

Wan to Join the Board?

We’re excited to have you join us! The first step is to sign up as a volunteer.

Sign-Up to Volunteer

Former Board Members

Aparna Ramakrishnan

Board member

Having lived around the world, our family knows how lucky we are to call San Carlos home. We moved here in 2014 because it has everything we want - a strong sense of community, great schools, central location, and safe neighborhoods. I joined the Steering Committee to give back to this wonderful community and support San Carlos’ continued development as an inclusive, caring, and thriving city. I bring over 20 years of experience in the social sector, having worked globally, national, and locally to promote public health and well-being. From 2018 - 2020, I worked with civic leaders, foundations, nonprofits, and community groups across San Mateo County to ensure an accurate count of all residents for Census 2020. Through this work, I gained a deep understanding of the strengths and needs within our county. I also serve as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for San Mateo County children in the foster system and parent volunteer for San Carlos Charter Learning Center.

Camellia Pham

board Member 2019-2022

I was born, raised and did all of my education in the SF Bay Area. We purchased a home in the White Oaks area four years ago. It’s safe to say I love it here and will likely never leave the bay area. What attracted my family to San Carlos was the small town feeling, the sense of community, and of course the weather. In addition, every time we visited the city of San Carlos, there were always kids selling lemonade on the corners. What’s not to love! I’ve worked at private foundations for over a decade. I am currently a program officer at the Heising-Simons Foundation which has programs focus on early childhood education, human rights, climate and clean energy, and science research. Prior, I worked at two other foundations. I joined the Steering Community to see how I could contribute and help build a vibrant, thoughtful community where everyone can enjoy to live, work, and play.

Chris Tran

BOARD MEMBER - 2021-2024

I moved to San Carlos in 2015 and have called it ‘home’ ever since. I am a second generation Vietnamese American, mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and an advocate for social and racial justice. Being raised by a family of strong Vietnamese immigrants who fled the American-Vietnam War for a better life, my Asian American identity is central to who I am and what activates me to volunteer, give back to the community, and amplify community-led solutions. I have volunteered with the Community Foundation of San Carlos since the summer of 2020, and currently co-chair the Racial Justice Steering Committee. I am also proud to be part of the Anti-Racist Parent Group at San Carlos Charter Learning Center (SCCLC) and the San Carlos Parents for Racial Equity (SCPFRE) Steering Committee. Having the opportunity to help uplift collective voices in our community through civic engagement is what sparks my passion and gives me purpose.

Donna Becht

Board Member 2020-2023

My husband and I have lived in San Carlos for 36 years. I am a Bay Area native, having been born in San Francisco and raised in Redwood City. I am the founding Director of Healthy Cities Tutoring (HCT), a local nonprofit providing one-on-one tutoring and mentoring, at no charge to the families, with the help of over 500 dedicated community volunteers. I am passionate about volunteerism and creating more opportunities for citizens to be involved in important local causes. I am excited to make a contribution to our community through the work of the Community Foundation of San Carlos.

Diana Bacon

Steering committee
Board Member 2019 - 2021

I am a Bay Area native that has been a resident of San Carlos for 35 years, and my children attended San Carlos schools from kindergarten through high school. I am now enjoying retirement in our beautiful city of good living. I volunteered to be on the Community Foundation because I believe in strengthening the social impact of organizations through grant-making and philanthropy. I have a range of experience working with the city; from volunteering for the Hometown Days Steering Committee to working with the San Carlos Children's Theater. I was also a member of the Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund, where I helped support innovative social causes. I'm excited to bring my local experience and work together to create meaningful change while we develop the next generation of givers!

Kristen Clements

Steering committee
Board Member 2019 - 2021

I have lived in San Carlos since 2004 when my husband and I bought our house in White Oaks, got married, and then had our son Dylan. I love that it has a small town feel but with some density, and is in the middle of a major metro area with diverse people of different backgrounds. I volunteered to be on the SCCF steering committee because I work for a city in the South Bay and decided it was time to get involved in my local community as well. I bring 25+ years of experience in working for local government, businesses, and nonprofits on housing and community development issues. I have served as a lender, a grant maker, on three boards of directors, and on various public policy committees. I am really excited about helping SCCF to serve our local needs!

Madison Duran

Board member 2021-2023

I have lived in San Carlos for the full 16 years of my life, and the person I am today is a reflection of that. The lessons I learned at White Oaks and Central have stayed with me during my three years at Sequoia and driven me to take action to create the kind of city and world I want to live in. I often volunteer around the county, and I recently joined the Social and Racial Justice Committee. I enjoy spending my time reading, creating art, being out in nature, going out with friends or family, learning and re-educating myself. Between the activities of myself and my siblings I have always felt very connected to the community here in San Carlos, and I'd love to help speak on behalf of some of the younger generation's values.

Nakia Brandt

Board Member 2020

My husband, daughter, and I have lived in San Carlos for 6 years. We are North Carolina natives. We love the sense of community and wonderful schools in San Carlos. I am currently the Executive Director for the San Mateo County Dental Society. I have worked in nonprofit management for over 15 years and have served diverse populations from youth to special needs. My primary reasons for volunteering with the Community Foundation of San Carlos is to meaningfully contribute to its mission, make a positive impact in San Carlos, and to fulfill my passion of helping others.

Paige Scott-Sarmiento

Board Member - 2021-2024 | SCEF Liaison

I grew up bi-coastal spending summers in the Bay Area and the school year in Maine. I am married to Marlo Sarmiento raising our son who attends San Carlos’ Charter Learning Center. We have lived in San Carlos since 2015 after moving from Boston. I recently served on the leadership team of San Carlos Charter’s PRT (parent resource team—a version of PTA) for the last 4 years and was an active member of the San Carlos District’s PTACC (PTA Coordinating Council). I am currently a member of the recently formed San Carlos Charter Parent’s Antiracist Group (formed in 2020) and have recently joined the 2021-2022 SCEF Board and Executive Committee.

I work full time as the leader of the global asset management practice at Kingsley Gate Partners (a global, diversified retained search firm and private partnership) and is a regular speaker at the Institutional Investor Institute, the Alternative Investor Institute, the European Institutional Investor Institute, The Global Fixed Income Forum, and the European Institute. I am an organizing member of 100 Women in Finance, Boston and serves on the Advisory Council of 100 Women in Finance. Paige recently became a Founding Member of Chief in San Francisco.

Robb Gibson

Board Member 2020-2022

I moved to San Carlos in 2016. My wife, three children, and I are proud to call this town home. The community has always been one of the things I love most about San Carlos - from Laurel street, to the events across town, and the wonderful people you meet everywhere. I have spent my professional career helping companies grow, first as a Management Consultant and now as a Product Manager. I could not be more excited about volunteering with the Community Foundation of San Carlos to help the foundation grow and to work to strengthen our community.

Scott Jefferies

Board Member 2022-2023

My Wife and I have lived in San Carlos since 1995, raising three children. Having grown up in Northern California, it was important to Jackie and me to find a place where we could put down long-term roots and San Carlos has been perfect for that. From the great friends we have made, to all of the fun activities supported by the community to the variety of experiences our family has enjoyed, it has been a great place to raise a family. I have been fortunate enough to be involved in a number of quality organizations in the city since we arrived - SCEF, Little League, AYSO, Healthy Cities, San Carlos United, Art in Action, San Carlos Children’s Theater and a number of school activities - and look forward to supporting the Community Foundation and all of the great work it does in the future.

Shirley Moore

Board Member 2020-2023

During the four decades I have lived, worked, played and learned in San Carlos, there have been many changes in the city. What has not changed is the neighborly feel and care for one another that makes living here such a privilege. My extensive experience as a nonprofit executive and fundraising professional will serve to strengthen the important work of the Foundation in connecting and supporting people and nonprofits in the community.

Brian Best

Steering Committee

Board Member 2019 - 2024

I’ve lived in San Carlos since 1998 and am a Bay Area native. My interest in volunteering with the foundation comes from my experience with the Marin Community Foundation and understanding how an organization such as this can make our community a better place. My professional experience includes more than 30 years in finance and technology. I’ve held positions at Leader Ventures, Western Technology Investment, Ross Systems and Ernst & Young.

Tom Davids

Steering committee
Board Member 2019-2020

In 1979, my wife and I moved to San Carlos with our four children (two in college and two in middle school). This life-changing experience made it possible for me to live and work (Eureka Federal Savings) in the same town and be involved with service clubs and city government. In 1994 I was elected to our City Council and continued to serve three terms, including three years as Mayor. While serving on the city council, I chaired a task force to “enhance the city of good living” by promoting volunteerism and building community. Eleven years ago, our committee formed a non-profit corporation, obtained 501c3 status and launched SAN CARLOS TOGETHER. Now, I look forward to being part of a well-funded Community Foundation dedicated to continuing our tradition as the City of Good Living.

Yael Goshen

Steering committee
Board Member 2019-2021

I am currently a community volunteer and organizer in San Carlos. Among several community projects, I founded and lead Social Good Circle, a community group that organizes monthly volunteer events for all ages, based in San Carlos. Prior to community volunteer work, I was a Program Manager for Google maps for 7 years, and worked as an operations consultant for Udacity. I’ve loved being a part of the wonderful San Carlos community with my husband, daughter, and dogs for almost 5 years now and look forward to helping build a strong Community Foundation with everyone.

Cameron Johnson

Steering Committee
Board member 2019-2021

I grew up in the Bay Area and moved to San Carlos in 2008. I was honored to serve on the San Carlos City Council from 2013 to 2018, including as Mayor in 2016. I have served on the board of a number of San Carlos and San Mateo County government organizations including the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, the San Mateo County Mental Health and Substance Abuse Recovery Commission, and the San Mateo County Library System. During the day I work as a Director of Product Innovation at Netflix. My wife and I have an 8-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son, both of who attend Brittan Acres.

Bobbi Petrov

Steering Committee
Board Member 2019-2020

I have lived in San Carlos for the past 22 years and feel lucky to be able to call “The City of Good Living” home. One of my 2 adult daughters has chosen to also make San Carlos her home and my other daughter lives right across the Bay. I can’t imagine leaving this beautiful part of the world. Until my recent retirement, I worked for the California Society of CPAs and the CalCPA Education Foundation as the Advertising and Sponsorship Director for the past 26 years. I served as a founding member of the San Mateo Trails Committee for 11 years and on the Board of the San Mateo County Horsemen’s Association for 3 years. I volunteered to be on the steering committee to create the Community Foundation of San Carlos to give back to the city I so enjoy.

Susanne Stevens

steering committee
Board Member 2010-2021

I am a proud resident of San Carlos for the last 27 years. I had a 32-year career in the San Mateo County Community College District, where I spent 10 years as Vice President of Instruction at Skyline College and also did grant writing for several major college projects. My experience on foundation boards includes the San Mateo County Community College Foundation and the International Foundation for Ewha Womans University (Korean university; foundation based in New York City). I am currently a board member of the Upper Peninsula League of the San Francisco Symphony. Since retiring from the community college district, I have a tax practice, to which I bring experience in estate & trust taxation and tax reporting for nonprofits. I volunteered for the Steering Committee to help organize the Community Foundation because of the love I have developed for our city and my wish to be helpful in setting up a vehicle for philanthropy which will enhance San Carlos for many years to come.

Steering Committee

Ellen Hohbach Scheetz

Steering Committee Member

I grew up on the San Francisco Peninsula and have been a resident in San Carlos since October 1998. I like that San Carlos is a relatively small city, in the middle of the Peninsula. I have access to San Francisco, San Jose, multiple hiking spots, the Baylands, the coast, and other wonderful parts of our area. Once I became a parent, I came to appreciate the commitment to a quality, well-rounded education. Volunteering with the Community Foundation of San Carlos appealed to me because I have an increasing number of ideas and opinions about how communities are nurtured and guided, and believe as many of us as possible need to be engaged in that process. I have experience in fundraising, nonprofit program development, increasing gender equity, communications, volunteer management, and working with boards. I have my own business in San Carlos as a gender-equity consultant.

Susan Raymond

Steering Committee Member

A native of Upstate New York, I moved to the Bay Area in 1997 and San Carlos in 2001. We chose San Carlos for its great schools, small town community and central location. I joined the Community Foundation Steering Committee because I strongly believe in giving back and supporting one’s community. The Community Foundation in my New York hometown was founded in 1929 and for decades has made a great impact on the quality of life for its residents. I envision the Community Foundation of San Carlos will have a similar impact in our community. I bring over 25 years of experience in finance and accounting, as well as over 10 years in non-profit work. I have served on the board of the San Carlos Education Foundation and school PTAs, and have worked in a finance capacity for other community-based non-profits.

Cammie Vail

Steering Committee Member

I was born and raised in San Carlos and went to San Carlos High (Go Dons!) and have happily raised my son here. Our family loves the San Carlos community from the friendly people to the great places to eat to the commitment to “community” that this town has. I bring to the Steering Committee a passion for working in the nonprofit sector and helping nonprofits grow and flourish. I worked in the corporate sector for almost 20 years, but after extensive volunteer roles decided to move into the nonprofit world and I am currently the Executive Director of the Palo Alto Community Fund.