Become a Member

Gilroy Foundation wants YOU! Since 1980, Gilroy Foundation has awarded over $16.3 million in grants and scholarships. We need your continued support to respond to the growing needs of our local community, both now and in the future.

Donors to Gilroy Foundation have various ways to participate in philanthropy in our community:

• As an annual member with a gift from $100 to $1000, your gift to Gilroy Foundation goes into the general unrestricted endowment for grant giving or one of our Community Needs Funds or Community Needs funds of your choice; five percent of year-end balances of those investment funds support the annual grant-making cycle.
• By establishing an individual, family, or corporate fund that may be designated to a particular charity; or donor-advised, where the donor makes the annual decision on a grant.
• By choosing a bequest to the Foundation in your estate planning.

Community Needs funds, in the fields of Agriculture, Art, Education, Health and Technology benefit the Competitive Grants Program. Each year, Gilroy Foundation receives grant requests that exceed our grantable dollars by more than 200% and we are working to close that gap. Having the ability to donate to one of these funds allows donors to participate in “giving back” to their community in an area that interests them.

The minimum amount to start a separate fund is $10,000. Consecutive annual donations via our membership program is another way to establish a fund. When those donations come to $10,000, a separate fund can be established. 

All Gilroy Foundation members receive special benefits and recognition. Please choose the membership level that works best for you:

1. 

   Silver Member ($100 – $499)

   • Recognition on website and in event programs
2. 

   Gold Member ($500 – $999)

   • Recognition on website and in event programs
   • Invitation to Annual Meeting and Charitable Giving Presentation
3. 

   Platinum Member ($1000 and up)

   • Recognition on website and in event programs
   • Invitation to Annual Meeting and Charitable Giving Presentation
   • Invitation to Gilroy Foundation Holiday Party
4. Lifetime Member
   • Our Lifetime Members have a separate Fund with us and receive all benefits of the Platinum Circle in perpetuity.