As communities grow, needs grow, and the subject matter is endless. Basic needs include all the human things....food, shelter, work, health. Environmental needs include protecting our surroundings - air and water quality, contamination levels, forest health, wild life protection. Social needs include the arts and schools. And there are more. All of this fosters an increasing number of non-profit organizations geared to filling the voids.

There are two main organizations that reach out to smaller, focused groups. The Parasol Foundation in Incline Village offers office space to small non-profits, thereby creating a more efficient way for them to function and survive.

The Truckee Tahoe Community Foundation, headquartered in Truckee, now has $12 million in assets, made up of donor advised funds (where donors can earmark their grants and gifts) and general funds. Started with a matching grant of $1 million by William Hewlett, the organizaiton is celebrating its 10th year. With two grant cycles a year, the grants committee does an incredible job of reviewing applications and recommending its selections to the Board for approval.

You may have heard of the Queen of Hearts Fund. In one year, 1000 women giving $1000 were identified and more than reached the goal of raising $1 million. That fund continues to grow, and in the last two years, $50,000 has been split each year between two applicants.

In addition to giving money, both organizations are available to counsel organizations, helping them with leadership.

Next time we'll talk about the Lake Tahoe Music Festival.