As we emerge from the pandemic with hope and optimism, Larkspur is adapting with the rest of the world. Phrases like “at this uncertain time” and “in these unprecedented days” have been worn out.
We want you to know we are working to help in every way we can. The pandemic severely impacted not only individual lives but the life of our community. We have focused our grant making on responding to the pandemic.

Over the past five years we have made more than 30 grants ranging in size from $250 to $10,000, for a variety of needs from emergency radios for the Fire Department to Movies in the Park. Our recipients have also been wide ranging from the Larkspur Community Clinic to the Lark Theater.

Our focus in 2020 was to be Emergency Preparedness, but that quickly shifted to providing assistance to those impacted by the pandemic. For our efforts we were named 2020 Business of the Year by the City and the Chamber of Commerce and we received a Bank of Marin Spirit of Marin award!

Our primary support recipients have been:

  • Marin Community Clinics
  • Local public schools
  • Small Businesses via the Larkspur Chamber of Commerce COVID relief campaign
  • Schurig Brain Injury Center remote programs
  • Larkspur NRG Program

2021 Grants to Local Schools Impacted by Covid

The Foundation approached each of our local school districts, asking if we could help meet their unanticipated needs due to the pandemic.

  • Last fall a grant was given to the Larkspur-Corte Madera School District to provide academic support, childcare and intervention to neediest students and families. A second grant for an additional was granted early in 2021.
  • A grant was given to the Kentfield School District, which partners with Marin Enrichment, to provide childcare for essential workers and students by operating learning hubs for those who qualified for free or reduced lunches.
  • To San Andreas High School, a grant provided additional counselling support to assist students to better navigate the pandemic’s impact on their mental health.

LCF Grant to Marin Community Clinics

The Larkspur Community Foundation awarded an $8,000 grant to the Larkspur and Greenbrae Community Clinics to help meet the clinics’ increased needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The clinics provide primary care, behavioral health and dental care to low-income residents.  The Larkspur clinic sees over 14,000 people per year and the Greenbrae Clinic just recently opened. Clinic costs increased significantly as a result of COVID-19.  To stay open and stay safe, the clinics have had to greatly increase expenditures for physical barriers, extra cleaning services, extra cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment.  All of these purchases were unexpected costs for 2020 and not in clinic budgets.

“Throughout the ups and downs that this pandemic has brought, we have not closed our doors to those in need in this community,” said Lindsay Boughey, XXX of the clinics.  “We are grateful for the opportunity for support – it not only helps our bottom line but gives us hope and pride to be supported by all in our community.  We are in this together, “she said.

Small Business Support

Our $10,000 challenge grant kicked off the Small Business Emergency Fund organized by the Larkspur Chamber of Commerce.$51,000 was raised and grants were disbursed to 33 business owners. All funds raised went directly to small business merchants. This is the largest grant we have made to date.

Schurig Center Grant

We granted funds to the Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery to help them successfully develop their remote services in response to problems created by the pandemic.

Neighborhood Response Groups or NRGs.

We continue to support Larkspur and Greenbrae NRGs.  These  neighborhood volunteer groups are preparing our community to cope with emergencies, especially important as fire threats worsen. We are serving as fiscal sponsor for several NRGs so they can accept tax-deductible donations and our Disaster Preparedness Fund is providing grants for specific disaster preparedness projects.

Please help us continue to support our community by donating using the button on the right.

New this year, we are able to accept stock donations; information is available here or contact us by email at treasurer@larkspurcommunityfoundation.org  or by mail at P.O. Box 43, Larkspur, CA 94977-0043

There are lots of ideas about what the future will be and how we will get there.  We welcome your ideas and comments and we thank you for your support !
There may be unique tax benefits to you through the 2020 CARES Act. Please check with a tax specialist to learn how you can
maximize the impact of your donation.

The Chamber of Commerce is supporting small businesses. Click here to read more. The Commons Foundation entered into a Letter of Intent with the City of Larkspur to raise funds for a $5 million library building at Rose Lane. Click here to read more.