$200K available for eligible organization’s serving local residents.
The Lodi Community Foundation has launched the Lodi Legacy Fund, a permanent source of grant funding for local nonprofits and community projects.
The fund was established through gifts from local donors, including Sheila Wishek and Darrell Drummond, who included the Lodi Community Foundation in their estate plans to create a lasting resource for the city’s future.
Created to honor the philanthropic legacies of local donors, the fund will support charitable programs and projects that directly benefit Lodi-area residents.
Unlike a one-time grant program, the Lodi Legacy Fund is designed to grow over time and provide ongoing support for the community. Residents can contribute during their lifetimes or include the fund in their wills, trusts or estate plans to help strengthen Lodi for future generations.
“The Lodi Legacy Fund represents the heart of what community philanthropy can accomplish,” CEO Louis Ponick said. “It provides people who care about Lodi a meaningful opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by supporting the organizations and initiatives that strengthen the community every day.”
As part of its inaugural grant cycle, the fund has allocated $200,000 to support projects, programs and initiatives serving Lodi-area residents. Eligible organizations may request grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000.
The 2026 grant cycle opened Monday with a letter-of-interest process. Letters are due by 5 p.m. Friday, July 17. Organizations selected to move forward will be invited to submit full grant proposals, and final funding decisions are expected by the end of the year.
The fund also is accepting contributions from donors at all giving levels. Gifts of any size will help grow the fund and expand local grantmaking opportunities in future years. Donors may make taxdeductible contributions now or include the Lodi Legacy Fund in their estate plans. All donors will be recognized on the fund’s donor board, unless they choose to remain anonymous.
“This fund is built on the belief that everyone can be part of Lodi’s legacy,” Ponick said. “Whether someone gives today, plans a future gift or applies for funding, the Lodi Legacy Fund creates a way for people who care about this community to help meet needs now and build lasting support for tomorrow.”
Grant guidelines, application details and information about donating are available at tinyurl.com/LodiLegacyFund.