The Young Professionals of Napa Valley is proud to partner with Napa Valley Community Foundation (NVCF)—a local philanthropic powerhouse that has shaped Napa’s social landscape for more than 30 years. We sat down with one of NVCF’s longtime leaders to learn more about the Foundation’s mission, milestones, and how Young Professionals can get involved.
Founded in 1994, NVCF is a public charity with a simple, but powerful purpose: to enhance the quality of life for everyone who calls Napa home. It does this by connecting generous donors with urgent community needs—channeling resources where they can do the most good. As Terence Mulligan, President and CEO of NVCF, explains, “American philanthropy is deeply personal, and as a result, it’s highly fragmented. The Foundation is an aggregator. We focus dollars from hundreds of donors on local challenges … and we are a platform for people who want to make a meaningful, place-based impact.”
From Public Service to Philanthropy
Terence’s journey to community philanthropy is as personal as the Foundation’s mission. Growing up in the suburbs of Sacramento, with a father in state politics, public service was part of daily life for Terence. After college, time in Washington, D.C. sparked an interest in philanthropy, and Terence moved to Napa to pursue a new kind of service: leading a small but promising foundation.
“I was in my early 30s when I was offered the opportunity to lead this Foundation back in 2004,” Terence shared. “That same year, I got married, and by 2006 we had our first child. This work—and this place—quickly became home.”
Since then, Terence has guided the Foundation’s growth from $5 million in assets to $94 million today, with annual grantmaking between $6 and $10 million. Those grants support a wide range of causes: arts and culture, education and scholarships, disaster recovery, health and human services, the environment, animal welfare, and more. To date, NVCF and the donors they work with have made more than $110 million in grants to nonprofit organizations.
One big focus today is the Foundation’s new Elaine Jones Safety Net Grant Program, a key effort supporting social service nonprofits that ensure vulnerable residents can access food, housing, healthcare, and other critical services during times of hardship.
While Napa is rich in culture and beauty, it’s not without challenges—especially when it comes to the cost of living. “It’s a struggle for many to stay here, but there are so many people with deep resources and a fierce desire to protect this small-town community. Our lucky job is to bridge that gap—matching donors with nonprofits to create lasting change.”
A Snapshot of Napa’s Nonprofit Sector
Napa is home to more than 680 public charities, whose collective revenues are just over $1 billion annually. Of that, roughly $452 million comes from government grants and contracts.
Interestingly, while there are hundreds of nonprofits, about 115 of them account for 90% of the sector’s activity and revenue. The rest form a “long tail” of smaller organizations—each playing a unique and essential role in supporting Napa’s communities.
Key Priorities for the Future
Looking ahead, the Foundation is focusing more on several pressing issues:
- Strengthening the Safety Net:As government funding declines and demand for services grows, NVCF is focused on expanding resources for those most in need through their Elaine Jones Safety Net Fund.
- Legal Services for Immigrant Support:Through the One Napa Valley Initiative, NVCF has helped more than 2,500 residents become U.S. citizens. The program offers legal services, education about rights, and a sense of dignity and security for immigrants living in Napa.
- Climate and Disaster Preparedness:With wildfires becoming more frequent and intense, NVCF has invested over $30 million in disaster response, including climate initiatives. The goal? Reduce fire risks, respond faster, and help residents navigate challenges like the insurance crisis.
Connecting with the Next Generation
Engaging Young Professionals is vital for NVCF’s future—and the future of Napa. “Young Professionals are the present and future leaders of this Valley”, Terence said.
Efforts are already underway through Young Professionals of Napa Valley (YPNV). In the coming years, the two organizations plan to co-produce events and share programming ideas. NVCF can also help connect Young Professionals with board and committee openings across the county
When it comes to giving back, Terence wants to bust a common myth: that philanthropy is only for the wealthy, or something people do later in life. “Young Professionals are busy and want quick, digestible information. We’re working to provide that through videos, short-form content, and direct outreach,” he said. “There’s a misconception that Napa philanthropy is all about wealth, but most of our donors are modest givers. Think of it like a sheet cake—not a wedding cake. Our median donations during the biggest times of need are at an affordable level.”
Words of Advice for Young Professionals
For those just starting their careers, the advice is simple but profound:
“Relationships are everything”, Terence started, “Everything that we do here is about relationships, trust, and proximity. When you’re rooted in place, you can deeply understand the needs of your community. Extend yourself and find mentors, friends, and colleagues who can guide and support you. Be patient. Patience is about building momentum.”
“There’s no shortage of nonprofits—follow your interests and passions”, Terence says. “Ask around. Talk to your peers. Pick up the phone and call a local organization.”
Get Involved
Want to learn more or get connected to opportunities?
Reach out directly to Napa Valley Community Foundation through their website or email any staff member. They’re always eager to hear from people who care about this community.
“Are you vibing with what we’re doing?” Terence asked with a smile. “Then you’re already an ambassador.”
Let’s keep building something great—together.