A vital initiative in South Lake Tahoe, Bread & Broth, has been feeding those in need with the help of volunteers from all faiths. The organization provides twice-weekly hot meals and food bags while focusing on children's nutrition. Despite growing community needs and rising costs, support from businesses and individuals sustains their efforts. Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation, a philanthropic group dedicated to enhancing Tahoe communities, has supported Bread & Broth for a decade. In 2024, they connected a passionate donor with Bread & Broth, leading to a multi-year donation plan aimed at ensuring sustainability and growth.

This collaboration will allow Bread & Broth to expand its services, improve infrastructure, and adapt to increasing food prices without compromising its mission. With this new funding, the organization anticipates greater flexibility and the ability to serve more people effectively. Both organizations emphasize the importance of community foundations in fostering charitable connections and building strong local futures.

Empowering Nonprofits Through Strategic Partnerships

Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation plays an instrumental role in aligning donors' passions with the critical needs of regional nonprofits. Their long-standing relationship with Bread & Broth exemplifies how strategic partnerships can amplify impact. By introducing Bread & Broth to a donor committed to community development, the foundation facilitated a deeper understanding of the nonprofit’s mission and future goals. This connection led to the creation of a comprehensive multi-year donation plan designed to sustain and enhance Bread & Broth’s operations.

The foundation's approach involves evaluating specific nonprofit needs and coordinating meaningful interactions between donors and organizations. Mackenzie Sweigert, Director of Donor Services, highlights that such collaborations not only provide immediate financial resources but also offer insights into the evolving challenges faced by communities like South Lake Tahoe. Through meetings where Bread & Broth shared historical data and future aspirations, the donor gained a clear vision of the nonprofit’s potential for growth. As a result, the sustainable donation plan addresses both current program funding and future infrastructure improvements, reflecting the foundation’s commitment to fostering resilience within Tahoe’s nonprofit ecosystem.

Transformative Impact Through Generous Contributions

Thanks to the generous investment secured through Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation, Bread & Broth is poised to significantly elevate its capabilities. The multi-year funding plan allows the organization to increase spending on existing food programs, invest in essential infrastructure upgrades, and extend its reach to more individuals in need. Carol Gerard, Director of Bread & Broth, expresses profound gratitude for this opportunity to connect with supportive donors who understand the economic challenges facing the region.

Roberta Strachan, Bread & Broth’s Food Coordinator/Chairperson, describes the donation as transformative, enabling the organization to maintain high-quality, nutritious offerings while accommodating rising demand. This funding ensures continued provision of hot meals and healthy food bags, alongside enhanced child-focused nutrition initiatives. By addressing escalating food costs and operational needs, Bread & Broth can now focus on expanding service capacity and improving overall efficiency. The collaboration exemplifies how targeted philanthropy empowers grassroots organizations to thrive, ultimately benefiting entire communities. Such partnerships underscore the value of community foundations in bridging gaps between donors and nonprofits, creating lasting positive change across the Tahoe basin.