In the heart of coastal West Marin, the West Marin Fund exemplifies thoughtful philanthropy and community collaboration. Their commitment to addressing local needs by using their resources to fill gaps has strengthened the social fabric of West Marin. As a key partner in our efforts, the Fund demonstrates the power of collective action to create lasting change.
West Marin Fund has been a dedicated contributor to the Marin Promise Partnership’s Early Learning & Literacy Initiative. Its involvement in the West Marin Early Learning & Collaborative Action Network (ELCAN) has been instrumental. In 2021, the Fund played a critical funding role in establishing district-preschool partnerships, a collaborative effort that led to 50% more children attending preschool in West Marin. This success highlights how strategic partnerships can address critical gaps in early childhood education, ensuring more children are prepared to enter kindergarten.
More recently, the Fund took on another critical challenge by sourcing funding to implement the Car Seats for West Marin Kids Program. This effort was born out of conversations within the West Marin ELCAN about the sudden disappearance of a vital service that provided free car seat checks to local families through community promotores. Recognizing the importance of this service—not just for transportation safety but as a means to build trust and connections with families—West Marin Fund acted. It secured $75k through the county’s participatory budgeting process, with Executive Director Sarah Hobson leading the charge. Thanks to her advocacy, the car seat program is now back up and running, managed by the backbone team’s Early Learning & Literacy Initiative Director, with long-term sustainability ensured by Parent Services Project and Postpartum Support Center. West Marin Fund’s engagement and advocacy are contributing to enhancing early learning in West Marin by ensuring that parents feel confident driving and getting their children to school safely.
West Marin Fund’s dedication extends beyond early learning. Their Collaborative Impact Project is a powerful example of their innovative and collaborative approach to addressing systemic needs in West Marin. Supported by both the County and Marin Community Foundation, this grantmaking initiative brings together local organizations to work collaboratively to improve the West Marin community. The Fund not only manages the grant funds but also contributes its own resources, ensuring that the project fills critical gaps and enhances the capacity of local nonprofits. This collaborative spirit underscores the alignment between West Marin Fund’s work and our broader mission to support children from cradle to career.
Through its work, West Marin Fund continuously demonstrates that collective action is not just a concept but a driving force for positive change. As we spotlight West Marin Fund, we celebrate its role as a partner and catalyst for change. Its work reminds us of the incredible impact we can achieve when we come together with a shared purpose. Together, we are building a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive, supported by a network of committed collaborators and innovative solutions.
