Our Journey of Giving

We are the only charitable foundation distributing donations solely within our local community. When you give to SYCF, your gift goes right back to your neighbors.

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A legacy of local support since 2007

The Sutter Yuba Community Foundation (SYCF) was originally founded in 2007 by John and Karin Jelavich under the name River Valley Community Foundation. The organization was established to help local residents support charitable causes, youth activities, and educational endeavors exclusively within Sutter and Yuba counties.

Key Historical Milestones

2007: The Jelaviches founded the organization to provide a dedicated channel for reinvesting funds directly into local communities.
Early Operations: Shortly after its inception, the founders established a $100,000 grant to launch a perpetual scholarship endowment for high school graduates in the region.
Rebranding & Growth: To better reflect its regional focus, the organization later changed its name to the Sutter Yuba Community Foundation.

Our Unique Operating Model

What truly sets SYCF apart is its commitment to maximizing community impact through a unique operational structure.

Volunteer Led

SYCF operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is uniquely run by an all-volunteer Board of Directors.

Zero Overhead

Unlike many larger foundations, SYCF operates with absolutely no paid staff and no overhead salaries.

100% Giving

Because of this strict no-overhead model, every single penny donated or raised is channeled directly into scholarships for local students and grants for local nonprofits.

Have questions or want to get involved?

Whether you’re looking to establish a fund, apply for a grant, or simply want to learn more about our local impact, we’re here to help.