Who We Are
About the California Counties Foundation
Our History and Purpose
Founded in 1983 as the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), the California Counties Foundation has served for over four decades as the premier resource for professional development and educational advancement for California's 58 counties.
The Foundation was established with a vision to strengthen county leadership through continuing education, research, and resources that address the unique challenges facing California's county governments. Since our inception, we have evolved to meet the changing needs of counties while maintaining our core commitment to excellence in county governance.
Our Mission
The California Counties Foundation supports the continuing education of county elected and appointed officials in leadership, citizen engagement and knowledge competencies, and expansion of the knowledge base of California counties through the support of research in areas of importance to counties.
Our Governance
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Foundation operates according to its corporate bylaws and other policies adopted by the Foundation Board of Directors and the CSAC Board of Directors.
Foundation Board of Directors
The California Counties Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of county leaders from across the state, representing diverse regions, population sizes, and areas of expertise.
Financial Information
The California Counties Foundation is committed to fiscal transparency and responsible stewardship of resources. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we maintain rigorous financial controls and reporting standards.
Our programs are funded through a combination of:
- Program fees and tuition
- Grants and contracts
- Charitable contributions
- In-kind support from CSAC