Grants and Awards

Amidst the "dark clouds" of the pandemic, the Civic Pride Foundation has found some "silver linings." Across our community, we have been reminded of our common humanity and motivated to be more empathetic and to help those in need.

Civic Pride continued its commitment to the community this fall through its Community Grants program. However, because of the challenges of the pandemic, Civic Pride suspended its traditional grant application process and used a simple, streamlined process to quickly award grants to nine previous grant-recipient organizations so they could continue their community work while managing the effects of the pandemic. The grant funds will support programs in the arts and culture, education, gardens and nature, children and families, and health and wellness. Learn more . . .

The Community Grants program continues the Foundation's commitment to the community. Since its founding in 1992, the group has awarded more than $650,000 in community grants to Walnut Creek organizations and programs. The Foundation also helped to fund the Walnut Creek Skate Park and college scholarships for local graduating high school students.

How to Become a Community Grant Sponsor or Donor: The Foundation invites the business community and philanthropic community members to become a member of the Civic Pride Sponsor Circle or to make an individual donation. If you would like to contribute to the Community Grant program, you may make a tax-deductible donation by credit card through this website or by sending a check, payable to WCCPF, to P.O. Box 31156, Walnut Creek 94598. Donate now!

2020 Grant Recipients

The Pet Safety Net program of Tony LaRussa's Animal Rescue Foundation provides food and emergency assistance to keep pets in homes.

The Assistance League Diablo Valley's Operation School Bell and Threads programs provide clothing for low-income school children.

California Symphony is expanding its video streaming programming and continuing its Fresh Look series online.

Community Arts Foundation will provide preschool and arts scholarships for children whose families have lost their incomes. Programs are offered by the Center for Community Arts.

Refurbishing the gravel paths at the Ruth Bancroft Garden will improve the Garden's beauty
and accessibility for visitors.

The Mountain Shadow Film Society will again offer its annual Short Film Competition.

The Gardens at Heather Farm will beautify the open area at the Gardens' greenhouse and shade house.

Walnut Creek Downtown's Painted Pianos program will return, with appropriate pandemic protocols and another donated piano.

Las Lomas High School students will continue to have important mental health and wellness support services through the Walnut Creek Education Foundation.

Grant Recipients since 1992

Since 1992, the Foundation has successfully raised and disbursed more than $650,000 to Walnut Creek organizations and programs.

Grant recipients have included:

Assistance League of Diablo Valley, Operation School Bell
Buena Vista Elementary School (Lemos Juntos)
California Symphony (music in the schools program)
Center for Human Development: PEP
Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
The Creek: Middle School Youth Center
Diabetic Youth Foundation
Diablo Ballet (school program)
Family Stress Center
Foothill Middle School, Homework Club
Gardens at Heather Farm (youth education programs)
Lindsay Wildlife Museum (youth education programs)
Northgate High School Parent Action Team (crisis counselors)
Walnut Creek Aquanuts
Walnut Creek Education Foundation
Walnut Creek Little League, Challenger Division

Walnut Creek Skate Park

Through the leadership of Foundation Director June Kirske, the Foundation raised $30,000 in private funds for the building of
Walnut Creek's Skate Park at Heather Farm Park. The Skate Park opened in 2006.

College Scholarship Program

In past years, the Foundation also helped to make it financially feasible for Walnut Creek students to attend college, awarding more than $25,000 in scholarships to exemplary high school seniors.

Pictured at left are the 2006 Scholarship Recipients (left to right): Katherine Soe, Tania Chen, Hannah Poursartip, and Tym Blanchard.