California Ag Leadership Foundation Conducts Endowment Fundraising
The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) has received a $1 million challenge grant from Loren Booth to help grow the foundation’s endowment and to support operations. The grant will provide a dollar-for-dollar match up to $1 million for all new gifts donated.
The foundation is currently in the middle of a major endowment fundraising campaign, which began in late 2012.
CALF supports the 44-year-old California Agricultural Leadership Program, one of the premier leadership development experiences in the nation. It is a state and federal 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation that depends solely on individuals, foundations and corporations for support.
Booth is a Class 27 Ag Leadership alumna and has been chair of the CALF board of directors since July 2009. She is the president of family-owned and operated Booth Ranches, a premium citrus grower in Orange Cove, Calif. She also operates a commercial cattle herd near the operation.
“I have said many times that I cannot possibly give back to Ag Leadership what it has given to me,” said Booth. “With this grant, I hope to inspire others to join me on Ag Leadership’s journey toward financial independence, so that we can perpetuate this one-of-a-kind program for generations to come.”
To encourage broad participation, the match will be valid until met – by new pledges or increased gifts from current donors – so that people can manage their philanthropy over a period of time and not against a deadline. Booth said she encourages anyone who is considering a gift to act now and double their donation while the matching grant is in place.
“Loren is one of our most passionate supporters and we are enormously grateful for her longtime commitment and breathtaking generosity,” said Bob Gray, CALF president and chief executive officer. “Her gift will effectively help us raise $2 million new dollars, which will have a tremendous impact on our endowment and operations and will be instrumental in sustaining Ag Leadership.”
