A Local Light Beacon
The Claremont Community Foundation (CCF) was founded in 1989 when the Claremont city council was unable to support all the worthy organizations that were approaching it for funding. As the council and City Manager began collaborating with concerned citizens, CCF was born as a way to effectively address the needs of the many organizations throughout Claremont and the surrounding area. For this month’s Client Spotlight, we sat down with Aurelia Brogan, Executive Director, and Board Member Jose Vera to discuss the foundation’s beautiful evolution and important work in the local community.
Champions of Charitable Giving
For nearly thirty years, the Claremont Community Foundation has provided support for hundreds of programs, individuals, and organizations in the local community. When asked what prompted her to take up her position as Executive Director of The Claremont Community Foundation, Ms. Brogan responded, “I loved the idea of doing more for the community.”
Brogan continued that it is her hope that through her work, she can build awareness about CCF and the positive impact it is making to grow support for the foundation for the future. And it’s true, there is certainly more to The Claremont Community Foundation than meets the eye, with the true scope of the organization found in its mission statement:
The Claremont Community Foundation champions charitable giving to improve the quality of life in our community now and for future generations.
The foundation is honored and proud to be trusted with building and protecting its endowment to provide aid for the future needs of our changing community.
This past year, CCF was able to administer six grants to achieve this mission of charitable giving. These included a $3,000 grant to the Claremont After School Program (CLASP) for their STEAM program; a $2,000 grant to Ophelia’s Jump Productions for their Introducing Kids to Shakespeare Program; $1,770 to the Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Gardens’ Grow Our Future Program; $1,500 to Claremont Heritage for their 3rd Grade History Program; a $2,500 grant for Foothill Family Shelter’s Stepping Stones 120-Day Program; and $2,000 to Meals on Wheels for hot meals for needy individuals.
But that’s not all – the Claremont Community Foundation is also committed to helping the community by recognizing individuals and businesses for their generous giving, incubating smaller foundations by supporting them as they grow their roots, assisting with fund management, and partnering with donors and investors to fulfill their financial and charitable goals.
Additionally, the Claremont Community Foundation’s annual Party Parade fundraiser is currently in full swing, and this year’s event includes a series of 18 parties with a variety of themes, food, and entertainment to offer “something for everyone.” This Claremont tradition runs through the end of March, and all proceeds go back to the foundation.
Why SDP?
Ms. Brogan admits that one of the most challenging parts of her role as Executive Director of the Claremont Community Foundation is “wearing every single hat with limited time.” From organizing 18 parties in a 30-day period, to making sure fundraising goals are being reached, and increasing brand visibility, partnering with Southland Data Processing means that payroll is one less thing that she has to worry about, and that she can rest easy knowing the foundation’s staff will get paid on time.
Additionally, Mr. Vera explains how important it is to the organization to “practice what they preach” by giving back to the community in choosing to “shop local.” Both the Claremont Community Foundation and Southland Data Processing share a focus on the importance of core values, and it is precisely these core values that are the building blocks that make this community and the people in it so special.
It is the Claremont Community Foundation’s dream to become a light beacon for Claremont, a thread connecting all of these people and places together and infusing love and light into the city. As the brand’s story continues to grow and community awareness increases, CCF hopes to achieve the highest level of transparency, so the community can see the effects of their donations and know that by partnering with the foundation, they are able to help so many other people and organizations in the community as well.
In celebration of the foundation’s party season, we would like to extend an invitation to you and your loved ones to join in on the festivities! From spa days to ukulele lessons, craft beer and whiskey tastings, and much more, you won’t want to miss out – especially with the proceeds going to such a great cause.
Or register here!
SDP Client Spotlights: Celebrating Our Clients
Every month, we highlight one of our amazing clients with our SDP Client Spotlight. Here at Southland Data Processing, we’re in the people business, and strive to always put our clients first. If you or your organization is interested in becoming our next Client Spotlight, please contact us at [email protected] and we’d love to hear your story!
Photos by Claremont Community Foundation