Our Story

Our Story

In 2005, Darrell Drummond, founder of Drummond and Associates, recognized the need for Lodi to have a dedicated community foundation to work alongside individuals, families, businesses, and their advisors to create lasting legacies that strengthen the Lodi community.

Local donors and nonprofits shared that vision and helped open LCF’s first Donor Advised Funds, Agency Funds, Agency Endowments, and Designated Funds, with the goal of creating a permanent source of charitable support for local nonprofits. In its early years, LCF launched an endowment matching initiative to encourage local nonprofits to build permanent funds for long term stability, and worked closely with local estate planning attorneys and donors.

Nearly twenty years after its founding, LCF received legacy gifts from three individuals who chose to invest in Lodi’s future through their estates. These donors arranged for their charitable wishes to be carried out through the Foundation, ensuring their values live on for generations. Together, the gifts from Amelia Ernst, Darrell Drummond, and Sheila Wishek, all of whom passed away within a short period of time of one another, totaled approximately $25 million. These gifts increased LCF’s total assets from $8 million to $33 million within a year, creating a stronger permanent source of support for Lodi nonprofits and the people they serve.

 

Lodi Community Foundation Timeline

 

  • 2005: LCF founded under the vision of Darrell Drummond and local donors.
  • 2005 to 2021: LCF operated as an affiliate, with assets under the management of Sacramento Region Community Foundation.
  • 2018: LCF received its own independent 501(c)(3) tax exempt status.
  • 2021 to 2025: LCF transitioned its affiliate relationship and asset management to the San Joaquin Community Foundation.
  • 2025: LCF received three legacy gifts, supporting its transition to an independently operated community foundation with programs and staff dedicated to working with local donors, addressing local needs, and increasing impact in the greater Lodi area.
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