Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

08/24/2026

Northern Nevada is once again facing the heartbreak and uncertainty brought by a fast-moving wildfire.

The Hawk Fire has burned more than 15,000 acres and remains 0% contained. Nearly 90,000 residents are under evacuation orders or warnings, and six people, including three first responders, have been injured.

Our hearts are with everyone forced to leave home and with every family waiting for answers. We are deeply grateful to the first responders, volunteers, nonprofit partners, and government agencies who are working tirelessly to protect our community.

The 2026 Northern Nevada Wildfire Relief Fund supports local organizations that assist affected residents throughout the long-term recovery process.

Thanks to a generous $50,000 donation from the Greg Nelson–Warren Nelson Family, we'll match every new gift dollar for dollar as long as funds remain—doubling your impact when our neighbors need it most.

Donate today: https://cfnn.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3839

Those wishing to donate physical goods or other resources should submit an offer using the Washoe County EOC’s Washoe County Fires Aug 2026 form. The donations management team will review each offer and contact donors directly to coordinate next steps:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfA1k4FiV-E-zoaOUKN3M4UUC5hGtNbJLehJCQEKcjZR4PAeA/viewform

Together, we can help Northern Nevada recover and rebuild.

Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada & The St. Vincent's Programs
United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra
Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation

08/19/2026

To our first responders, volunteers, nonprofit partners, and government agencies: thank you. Your courage, compassion, and tireless service protected lives, supported evacuees, and helped carry our Northern Nevada communities through an incredibly difficult time.

As of August 18, containment of the Bug and Stallion Fires has reached 87% and 85%, respectively, and all evacuations have been lifted, allowing community members to return home safely.

But returning home does not mean returning to normal. Now, the work of recovery begins.

Teams are assessing damage and connecting residents with caseworkers, financial assistance, and essential supplies. Housing, fencing, water storage for livestock, and other critical needs are helping impacted families get back on their feet.

We are deeply grateful to every donor who has already contributed to the 2026 Northern Nevada Wildfire Relief Fund – your generosity has provided a critical foundation for recovery. Building on this momentum, we have created an incredible new opportunity to amplify our collective impact. Thanks to a generous $50,000 donation from the Greg Nelson - Warren Nelson Family, we will match every new donation dollar for dollar, unlocking additional support and helping more families recover.

Please consider a gift to the 2026 Northern Nevada Wildfire Relief Fund today. Your donation will help local organizations meet long-term recovery needs and support families throughout the rebuilding process.

Together, we can help our neighbors recover and move ahead.

United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra

Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada & The St. Vincent's Programs

Donate today: https://cfnn.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3839

08/12/2026

Northern Nevada is facing the Bug and Stallion wildfires, which are creating urgent challenges and straining local response resources.

In response, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has established the 2026 Northern Nevada Wildfire Relief Fund to provide resources to local organizations leading relief and recovery efforts. Donations will assist displaced residents, care for affected animals, aid first responders, and address other critical priorities as conditions evolve.

When our neighbors need help, our region comes together. Please consider making a gift and sharing the fund with others who want to contribute.

Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada & The St. Vincent's Programs

United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra

American Red Cross

Donate today https://cfnn.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3839

Learn more https://nevadafund.org/post/community-foundation-northern-nevada-announces-2026-northern-nevada-wildfire-relief-fund/

08/11/2026

Our Scholarship Social was a joyful celebration of generosity, hard work, and the bright futures taking shape across our community. Seeing scholarship donors and students come together was a powerful reminder of what happens when people believe in one another.

This year, nearly 400 scholarships totaling $1,411,979 were awarded through 43 charitable funds, and 52% of recipients are first-generation students. Behind every number is a student pursuing a dream and a donor who helped make that dream possible.

To the donors and students who joined us: thank you for making the evening so meaningful and memorable. We were honored to celebrate with you—and we can’t wait to see where these students go next!

08/06/2026

🎓 Your voice. Your community. Your impact.

Applications are open for the 2026 High School Giving Circle!

Washoe County students in grades 9–12 can work alongside their peers, explore local nonprofits, and decide how $10,000 in grant funding will support the community.

The program is free; participants earn community service hours, and up to 30 students will be accepted. Public, private, and homeschooled students are encouraged to apply.

📅 September 17–December 3

⏰ Thursdays from 4:00–5:30 p.m.

📍 TMCC Meadowood

📝 Apply by September 10, 2026

Learn more and apply: https://nevadafund.org/community/high-school-giving-circle/

Questions? Contact High School Giving Circle Facilitator Fayth Ross at [email protected].

https://nevadafund.org/community/high-school-giving-circle/

07/31/2026

Imagine getting the call that you’ve won one of Nevada’s most coveted hunting opportunities. For four hunters, that dream just became reality! 🏔️

We’re thrilled to celebrate the 2026 Nevada Dream Tag winners as they prepare for unforgettable adventures across the Silver State.

These tags offer more than the hunt of a lifetime—they help protect Nevada’s wildlife and wild places for generations to come. Congratulations to this year’s winners!

🎉 Meet the 2026 Nevada Dream Tag winners! Congratulations to this year’s four lucky hunters:

🏔️ Mule Deer — C. Kim Frederick, Utah
“Winning this tag is indescribable. At my age, with the odds of drawing so slim, this opportunity means more than I can say.”

🐏 Desert Bighorn Sheep — Daniel Hogfoss, North Dakota
“It feels great to be a winner, and I’m incredibly excited for this opportunity.”

🌄 Antelope — Robert Neaman, California
“I entered to contribute to the mission, so winning this tag feels truly amazing.”

🦌 Elk — Tommy Adkins Jr., Virginia
“I feel absolutely amazing and blessed. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime hunt.”

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Dream Tags raffle. Your support helps preserve, protect, manage, and restore
Nevada’s game species and their habitats!

07/24/2026

🎒 Opening more doors to Pre-K in Washoe County!

A new partnership among United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra, Strengthen Our Communities, and the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada is building on the ongoing success of Nevada Ready! State Pre-K.

Made possible in part by a generous $1 million gift from an anonymous donor, this collaboration will expand access to high-quality early education for more local children and provide greater support and stability for working families.

The next phase begins in fall 2026—and its impact could extend well beyond the classroom. Research shows that children who attend preschool are more likely to graduate from high school on time and to attend college.

Read the full story to learn how this creative partnership is investing in brighter beginnings for Washoe County children and families: https://nevadafund.org/post/opening-doors-pre-k-more-washoe-county-families/

United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra

07/20/2026

🎉 Congratulations to the 2026 Nevada Dream Tag winners! Thank you to everyone who participated and helped protect Nevada’s wildlife and wild places! 🌿🦌🏔️

🎉 Congratulations to the 2026 Nevada Dream Tag winners!

We’re thrilled to introduce the four lucky hunters who received this year’s coveted tags:

🦌 Antelope — Robert Neaman
🦌 Mule Deer — Cloyd Frederick
🐏 Desert Bighorn — Dan Hogfoss
🫎 Elk — Tommy Adkins

Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we share more about each winner and their plans for the hunt of a lifetime!

Every Dream Tags raffle ticket supports more than an unforgettable hunting opportunity—it helps protect Nevada’s wildlife and the wild places they call home. After tag costs and minimal administrative expenses, proceeds directly support the preservation, protection, management, and restoration of Nevada’s game species and their habitats. 🌿

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make a meaningful difference for Nevada’s wildlife! 💚

07/20/2026

💧 Final Reminder: Truckee River Fund Applications Close Soon!

The Truckee River Fund Fall Grant Cycle is accepting proposals through July 24, 2026, at noon.

Funding is available for projects that protect, restore, and enhance the health of the Truckee River watershed—helping preserve one of Northern Nevada’s most important natural resources for generations to come.

If your organization is working to improve water quality, watershed health, habitat restoration, or community stewardship, now is the time to apply.

https://nevadafund.org/nonprofits/request-proposals/

07/18/2026

🎉 After months of dedication and hard work, we’re proud to announce that we have been reaccredited through the Community Foundations National Standards program!

This voluntary accreditation recognizes our ongoing commitment to excellence, accountability, and the highest standards of philanthropic practice—ensuring we continue to serve our donors, nonprofit partners, and community with integrity and trust. 🤝💙

Learn more at www.cfstandards.org.