In the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley, where agricultural abundance meets boundless community spirit, there exists an organization that embodies a deeper kind of love—one rooted in shared purpose, mutual uplift, and long-term transformation. For six decades, the Central Valley Community Foundation (CVCF) has been at the forefront of connecting generous hearts with community needs, ensuring that the Valley’s promise isn’t just aspirational—it’s actionable.

Founded in 1966 and originally known as the Fresno Regional Foundation, CVCF has evolved into a nationally accredited steward of philanthropy, dedicated exclusively to the Central Valley and its diverse communities across Fresno, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, and Tulare. As the only community foundation of its kind in the region, CVCF’s mission is simple yet profound: to connect capital and communities for a just and thriving Central Valley.

At the helm of this mission is Ashley Swearengin, former Mayor of Fresno and current President and CEO of CVCF, whose leadership bridges civic vision with compassionate action. Her work reflects a deep commitment not just to invest dollars, but to invest hope—transforming lives and systems in ways that reflect the deep love residents have for their region.

“At CVCF, our job is to make it easy for people to give and make a difference in their community,” Ashley believes. “So often, people feel like the challenges our region faces are just too big, and nothing can be done to really change things. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Every day at CVCF, we are surrounded and inspired by people—community members, non-profit leaders, donors, youth, retirees—who are choosing to work together to improve our region. That is the substance of big and lasting change.”

What sets the Central Valley Community Foundation apart is its dual focus on generosity and strategy. CVCF doesn’t simply distribute grants—it partners with donors, non-profits, community leaders, and everyday changemakers to design lasting solutions to complex challenges. In the last decade alone, the Foundation has awarded more than 900 grants, illustrating a sustained investment in community priorities.

Since 2017, CVCF has helped raise and invest over $200 million to support education, economic development, neighborhood revitalization, arts and culture, and so much more—leveraging every dollar to create measurable and meaningful impact. “The challenges we face in the Central Valley are bigger than any one person, organization, or sector can address,” Ashley understands. “If we really want to see a different future in the Valley for our kids and grandkids, we have no choice but to work together.”

From small neighborhood initiatives to regional coalitions, the Foundation’s reach is expansive yet deeply rooted in local voices and values. Through initiatives such as Fresno DRIVE, CVCF brings together civic and business leaders, residents, and non-profits to co-create a shared economic future—one where opportunity isn’t an afterthought, but a lived reality.

“CVCF is committed to understanding the racial disparity that is experienced every day across the region and working in partnership with community to change those conditions,” she imparts in reference to ongoing community collaboration. “Our partners would be quick to point out that we have a long way to go to live up to this commitment, but we understand that this is the crucial work we must do to see our region truly thrive and prosper.”

At the core of CVCF’s ethos is the belief that equity and opportunity are not privileges—they are rights. The Foundation’s vision imagines a Central Valley with “no barriers, just opportunity, all people,” and its work reflects a commitment to advancing systems that reflect that ideal. Such an ecosystem ensures that a single gift, guided by strategic insight and community expertise, can unlock exponentially greater impact when matched with public and private investment.

This approach is more than aspirational rhetoric-—it shapes pragmatic grantmaking and capacity building. CVCF supports initiatives that prioritize youth development, workforce readiness, neighborhood stability, health access, and a thriving cultural ecosystem. The Foundation also stewards numerous donor funds, each tailored to specific focus areas, from parks and arts to education and social justice.

CVCF also champions philanthropic engagement at all levels. Through its Friends of the Foundation program and other giving opportunities, individuals and families can cultivate a deeply personal connection to the work they support—accessing insider forums, community insights, and unique experiences that deepen their understanding of local needs.

One of our value statements at CVCF is “Loving our Valley: We care about this place and our common future. We cherish the people who live here and our civic spaces, neighborhoods, and environment.” In fact, this is our leading value as an organization.

Moreover, CVCF’s role as a philanthropic partner extends to professional advisors, who collaborate with the Foundation to align giving strategies with meaningful outcomes, blending financial foresight with community benefit. “One of our value statements at CVCF is ‘Loving our Valley: We care about this place and our common future. We cherish the people who live here and our civic spaces, neighborhoods, and environment.’ In fact, this is our leading value as an organization.”

What does “community love” look like to Ashley and the CVCF team? “We like to say, ‘Whatever it takes.’ Sometimes that means raising money for community organizations. Sometimes it’s collecting signatures for a local ballot measure committed to parks and arts…or a local transportation ballot measure! Sometimes that looks like organizing large-scale community gatherings to engage local residents in the future of their community…or helping local donors find high-impact giving opportunities that are meaningful to them. It’s a long list of things we’re willing to do at CVCF to ensure the future of this region is a better one for our kids and grandkids.”

As the CVCF marks its 60th anniversary, the Foundation invites the region to reflect on the stories, partnerships, and moments that have shaped the Central Valley—each one a testament to community love made real over time. “I am particularly proud to work for an organization whose founders made sacrifices in their generation—now 60 years ago—to provide resources and support for our community today,” beams Ashley. “My hope is we do the same for future generations and that our region is permanently shaped by the spirit of generosity for years to come.”

From empowering small businesses and supporting scholarship recipients to strengthening neighborhood resilience and amplifying cultural expression, the CVCF’s impact is both deep and wide, rooted in the conviction that community love is not a gesture but a lifelong commitment to collective flourishing.

For residents who know this region’s rhythms and residents who have just begun to call it home, the Central Valley Community Foundation stands as a reminder that love is not only celebrated in moments, but lived through action. “Our job at CVCF is to support those who are leading change across the region—from the smallest of neighborhoods to the broader, economic region. The challenges are vast in the Central Valley, but I’m hopeful for our future when I consider the people in our region who are leading in courageous ways every day.” In every partnership forged and every future imagined, the Central Valley Community Foundation affirms that when a community leads with love, lasting change is not only possible—it is inevitable.

Editorial Director Lauren Barisic
Photos courtesy of the Central Valley Community Foundation