TRUCKEE, Calif. – As the year draws to a close, Sierra Community House (SCH) is launching its Year-End Appeal with a call to action: Building Resilient Communities Together. Amidst national trends of declining charitable giving due to economic pressures, SCH remains committed to its mission of providing critical services to the North Lake Tahoe/Truckee community.

Allison Edwards, Development Director at SCH, highlights the importance of the nonprofit’s diverse funding sources. “We are really helping people get through rough patches. There are so many reasons why people need our help and our donors get that. They feel blessed and inspired to give to people when they need the help,” Edwards said. 

One of the most impactful groups of donors for SCH is the local community members who have personally benefited from its services and now want to give back. These donors are often the heart of the organization, as their contributions reflect a personal connection to the mission.

---

---

The community’s support takes many forms—from corporate sponsorships to individual donors, with contributions ranging from large gifts to smaller, personal donations. Notable supporters include local businesses like Vail Resorts, as well as individuals who engage with SCH through fundraising events or regular giving programs.

For SCH, December is a crucial month for fundraising. Research shows that nonprofits typically raise 17-34% of their annual online revenue in December. However, in 2023, national trends indicated a slight decline in giving, down 4% compared to the previous year. Despite these broader challenges, Edwards and the SCH team are optimistic about their community’s generosity. “We are truly grateful for the diverse ways our community supports us,” Edwards said. 

---

---

This year’s Year-End Appeal emphasizes key themes: Strength in Community, Empowering Local Families, A Path Forward: Hope, Security, and Dignity, and Creating a More Equitable Future. Through these guiding principles, SCH continues to provide essential services such as hunger relief, legal aid, housing support, and crisis intervention. The nonprofit’s legal services and safe houses, in particular, are seen as increasingly vital in times of crisis.

And donors such as Barry and Barbara Kay are aware of this fact: “We are so grateful that Sierra Community House is here to provide a safety net for all our community members. SCH provides a wide range of social services delivered by a responsive, compassionate and dedicated staff,” they said.

In addition to individual donors, SCH has built strong relationships with “Giving Society” members—local philanthropists who have committed to multi-year donations. These long-term supporters play a vital role in ensuring the stability of SCH’s operations and allow the nonprofit to plan ahead for the future. 

“We are really good stewards of donor dollars,” Edwards said. “Our overhead is very low, and the majority of funds go directly to running our programs.”

“It can sometimes be difficult to gauge the true impact of donations, but with Sierra Community House, we not only feel confident in our monthly contributions but also witness firsthand the meaningful impact and value the organization brings to our community. We are deeply grateful to be associated with such an impactful organization,” donors Lynn and Paul Hamill said.  

With Giving Tuesday coming up on Dec. 3, SCH is reminding the community to consider charitable giving after the holiday shopping rush. As part of the global GivingTuesday movement, the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation spearheads local efforts through “Give Back Tahoe,” a campaign aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations in the region. Edwards encourages local residents to participate in Giving Tuesday and help make a difference.

The nonprofit has also embraced “trust-based philanthropy,” which reduces the administrative burden on organizations and allows them to focus more on direct service delivery. “This approach is empowering,” Edwards said. “It allows us to dedicate more time to our work and less time on paperwork.”

As SCH continues to provide essential services to those in need, it invites community members to join in the effort to build a stronger, more resilient region. Whether through a one-time gift or a long-term commitment, the community’s support makes a meaningful difference in the lives of families and individuals throughout the North Lake Tahoe and Truckee area.

How You Can Help

• Donate on Giving Tuesday (December 3) via the Give Back Tahoe campaign.
• Become a Monthly Donor: Join the SCH Giving Society and commit to multi-year support.
• Spread the Word: Share SCH’s mission with your friends and family and encourage others to get involved.
• Volunteer: Donating your time is just as valuable as donating money.

“One of the things that really inspires people to give to us is the local aspect of it. You are helping your neighbors. You are helping people that you interact with on a daily basis. 41% of our community interacts with us in one way, shape, or form annually,” Edwards said. 

For more information on how to donate or get involved, visit the Sierra Community House website or participate in Give Back Tahoe on Giving Tuesday.

Zoe Meyer is a reporter for the Sierra Sun, a sister publication for Tahoe Daily Tribune. She can be reached at zmeyer@sierrasun.com.