June 30, 2025

The North Valley Community Foundation has joined with the Chico Area Recreation & Park District to form the CARD Foundation.

The new foundation will allow residents and businesses to make tax-deductible donations for specific CARD projects and programs, such as a planned aquatics center.

“CARD is part of the fabric of our community, one of those organizations that makes Chico a special place,” said Alexa Benson-Valavanis, NVCF president and CEO. “The community foundation thrives because we believe, and our community believes, that if you value something, you invest in it. CARD’s history of serving the community will naturally lead to people supporting its many programs and offerings through the CARD Foundation.”

“As we’ve come to learn more about NVCF, it’s become obvious we need to join forces with the foundation to tap into the incredible philanthropic spirit in our community,” said Annabel Grimm, CARD’s general manager. “The CARD Foundation will help expand our fundraising, build long-term community investment in CARD services, and support our initiatives and projects. The impact of a single donation can have a ripple effect — supporting not just one program but uplifting the broader community we serve.”

“The partnership with NVCF allows us to foster community giving without the need to form an independent nonprofit entity. NVCF will provide fiscal oversight, donor services and administrative support in accordance with its fiscal sponsorship model,” Grimm added. 

The aquatics center, which has been discussed for more than a decade, will break ground this summer. The $28 million project will be built in north Chico on land donated by Ken Grossman and Katie Gonser, the old Sunset Hills Golf Course site. CARD needs an additional $10 million through fundraising to complete the community asset.

The aquatics center is the focus of the CARD Foundation web page for now, but Grimm said she envisions many programs and projects being represented there.

“There are so many programs at CARD that people hold dear,” said Grimm. “If people want to make a tax-deductible gift to, say, senior programs or after-school programs or youth sports, this will provide a way for them to do that.”

To learn more about the CARD Foundation and to make a donation, go to nvcf.org/card-foundation.

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About Chico Area Recreation & Park District

Established in 1948, the Chico Area Recreation & Park District (CARD) is a California Special District dedicated to enriching the community through diverse recreational opportunities. CARD brings friends and families together to create joyful experiences and lasting memories. It oversees 17 community and neighborhood parks, four community centers, a swimming pool, the Chico Creek Nature Center, and more. CARD offers a wide variety of sports, classes, camps, and special events designed for all ages. Discover more about CARD at chicorec.gov.

About North Valley Community Foundation

Through grantmaking, partnerships, financial and philanthropic services we are the North Valley's hub for social change. We help individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits maximize their impact on the local and global community.