We define stewardship as people caring for that to which they are entrusted. The Foundation supports efforts to strengthen communities and regions through existing and new organizations focused on forging collaborative, multi-sector models of stewardship for economic, environmental, social, and governance improvements. We are particularly interested in programs that:

• Provide resources and support to stewardship efforts that promote the idea that strong and vibrant communities are built on an innovative economy, livable communities, sustainable natural resources, social inclusion, and a collaborative style of governance; and that galvanize individuals and organizations in these efforts.
• Promote sustainable practices across disciplines and populations.
• Support and strengthen non-profit leaders and encourage philanthropy and civic leadership from throughout our diverse communities.

Featured Grant:

California Stewardship Network - Thriving Regions Lead to a Thriving State

The Morgan Family Foundation has launched the California Stewardship Network to develop innovative regional solutions to California’s most pressing economic, environmental, and community challenges.  These solutions will require breakthrough innovation driven by a new generation of civic entrepreneurs.

Stewardship is the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to us. The Network focuses on the “stewardship of place”— which requires attention to the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of a region

Stewards are individuals who see an opportunity for change and bring the same passion and persistence to community problem solving that business entrepreneurs bring to building new ventures.  They mobilize teams and collaborate across multi-sector boundaries to address interrelated challenges.  They come from all walks of life— from the business, public, labor and non-profit sectors. 

Currently, ten regions are participating in the California Stewardship Network. Their focus is stewardship, their approach is collaboration, and their outcomes are innovative solutions. All are led by civic entrepreneurs. They are: San Diego, Fresno, Los Angeles County, San Luis Obispo, Silicon Valley, Sonoma County, Redwood Coast, Butte County, Sacramento and Sierra.

Together, this Network of regions has developed a Shared Agenda: Thriving Regions Lead to a Thriving State. To learn more about this effort and to read the Shared Agenda, visit www.castewardship.org.  If you believe in this agenda, please sign our Pledge, which can also be found on the site.