Our Story

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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Local Impact

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John and Karin Jelavich,
Founders

John and Karin Jelavich spearheaded the formulation of the River Valley Community Foundation in 2007. This was an important achievement to the Jelavich’s as it provided the community a means to donate and support local charitable causes and youth activities. All funds raised are reinvested in the community. The Foundation has since changed its name to the SUTTER YUBA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.

Shortly after the foundation’s inception, the couple made a $100,000 grant to establish a perpetual scholarship endowment for worthy local high school graduates.

Each year, several graduates are recipients of the scholarship awards.

Strengthening Our Region Through Philanthropy

Every donor has a cause they are passionate about. When we magnify that passion across our nearly 1,000 fund holders, it creates a cohesive support system that breathes life into the arts, health and human services, education, and houses of worship across our community.

For those who wish to pool their resources, the SYCF Endowment Fund, alongside our targeted Scholarship and Grant Funds, allows contributors to make a greater impact on carefully researched organizations. Through donations, planned giving, and fundraising, SYCF has provided more than $300,000 in direct support since our founding.

We are proud that 100% of all giving through the Sutter Yuba Community Foundation goes directly to local organizations. Whether you are driving our city streets, attending a local arts performance, or hearing success stories about our youth, you are seeing the direct influence of charitable neighbors who care deeply about building a better community.

Our Philosophy

To be open, accountable, and ethical in all we do.

To partner strategically across a wide mandate.

To enable and promote charitable giving.

To respond responsibly and proactively to our community’s evolving needs.

100% Volunteer-Led Leadership

As board members of the Sutter Yuba Community Foundation, we are driven to lead this organization with integrity, a heart for service, and commitment to the communities we serve.

Unlike larger foundations, SYCF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with zero paid staff. We are guided entirely by an all-volunteer Board of Directors who live and work right here in Yuba-Sutter. Because we have no overhead salaries, every penny of your gift translates directly into community grants and student scholarships.