Happy New Year!
As Chair of the Board, I am thrilled to welcome you to a new year brimming with opportunities, growth, and positive change for the Lodi Community Foundation and the vibrant city we serve. With the dedication of our board members, partners, and supporters, we are poised to build on last year’s successes, creating opportunities that will uplift our community, empower local leaders, and foster a stronger, more connected Lodi.
This year, we are embarking on exciting projects that will enhance resources for residents, support local nonprofits, and strengthen the spirit of collaboration across our community. The Lodi Community Foundation remains committed to driving meaningful impact. We look forward to working alongside all of you to ensure this year is one of progress and shared success for everyone who calls Lodi home.
John Ledbetter
Lodi Community Foundation
Opportunities
Educational Scholarships
It is the time of year where senior high school graduates and adults pursuing a higher education and career advancement begin looking for scholarships to help offset the costs associated with tuition. We are thrilled to share the newest local website that showcases local scholarships available. We encourage this to be shared with people in your life headed to community college or universities.
2025 Community Philanthropy Summit
Lodi Community Foundation is pleased to be a part of the planning for the 2025 Community Philanthropy Summit and we encourage you to SAVE THE DATE for this years professional development and leadership gathering! The Community Philanthropy Summit is an event that celebrates the great works of both nonprofits and philanthropists in the San Joaquin region!
Community Philanthropy Summit
Date: Thursday April 10th, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Lodi Hutchins Street Square
Presenting Sponsor: The 54 Fund
The collaboration between nonprofits and philanthropists holds immense value, as it combines the unique strengths of both to address societal challenges more effectively. Nonprofits bring on-the-ground expertise, a deep understanding of community needs, and the ability to implement programs that create meaningful impact. Philanthropists, on the other hand, provide critical resources—such as funding and strategic support—that empower nonprofits to scale their efforts and achieve long-term sustainability. The Community Philanthropy Summit is a place for both to be in the room together, grow and develop together, and share with one one another their needs and goals.
In addition, the Summit provides a venue to appropriately present the Association for Fundraising Professionals Philanthropy Awards to local organizations, families and individuals who have been involved in the philanthropic process to better our local community and society.
209Gives Fundraiser – A Resource for Lodi Nonprofits
Mark Your Calendars for the 209Gives 24hour day of giving – a day where nonprofits can raise money and tell their story to further advance their cause!
Date: Thursday April 25th, 2025
Time: 12am – 12am – ALL DAY!
Where: Online at www.209Gives.org
Presenting Sponsor: Could be YOU! Inquire For More Info
209Gives is a free platform for local nonprofits to utilize for fundraising. Use the site to to share your story, accelerate fundraising, and gain followers passionate about your cause! Plus – a collaborative effort to promote a 24 hour day of giving that has raised a quarter million dollars for San Joaquin area nonprofits in 2024!
New and Returning nonprofits can register at www.209Gives.org
Southern California Wildfires
California wildfires have devastated communities, burning over 30,000 acres across five active fires and forcing more than 100,000 people to evacuate.
As the crisis unfolds, organizations like the California Community Foundation, Pasadena Community Foundation, and the American Red Cross have activated recovery funds to provide essential aid.
To support relief efforts and help affected communities rebuild, consider donating through the links provided. Thank you for standing with our California neighbors during this challenging time.
🌿 California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund
https://www.calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund/
🌿 Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Canyon Fire Relief Fund
https://pasadenacf.org/donate/
🌿 American Red Cross 2025 Wildfire Fund
https://www.redcross.org/donate/mm/california-wildfires-2025.html/
Fund Highlight
Sheila Wishek Legacy Fund
Sheila Wishek grew up in Lodi and attended St. Anne’s Catholic School as well as Lodi High School. She graduated from University of California, Berkeley and eventually settled in San Francisco. Antiques were a passion for Shelia and led her to own and operate an antique shop for 22 years. Even though Shelia didn’t live primarily in Lodi as an adult, she never forgot her hometown, friends and her local nonprofit community.
Sheila, aside from becoming an antique store owner, was also a quiet philanthropist who made a significant impact by giving generously to the communities and organizations she cared deeply about. She preferred to stay out of the limelight, choosing instead to let her actions speak for her, supporting causes with humility and a genuine passion for making a difference. Ms. Wishek was generous in her lifetime to the Lodi community that gave her so much. This giving continues long after her passing by way of the Sheila Wishek Legacy Fund.
The Sheila Wishek Legacy Fund will continue supporting the city that was near and dear to Sheila. If you are interested in being a part of what she has created, consider donating here.
Sheila Wishek included the Lodi Community Foundation in her estate plans and it is with honor and gratitude that we will continue her thoughtful support to the nonprofit community in Lodi.
Several nonprofits and public agencies choose Lodi Community Foundation as a partner to house their charitable funds. LCF offers a variety of funds for individuals, families, businesses, community organizations and public agencies. We can help you choose the fund that best accomplishes your goals for giving. You can set up your fund with cash, appreciated property, real estate or other assets.
If you know someone interested in learning more about Agency Funds or other fund options, reach out to LCF at (209) 910-3523 or visit our website.
