S.H. Cowell Foundation: A Partner in Impact

Tags: Collaborations

This week, Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation (TTCF) and the Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee (CCTT) joyously welcome a visit from the S.H. Cowell Foundation. The fifteen year investment that this top institution and the people behind it have put into strengthening our region’s families and communities cannot be overstated.

Cowell has infused $7 million into our regional nonprofits to touch the lives of every person who lives here. In recent years, Cowell supported the Boys and Girls Club Truckee site, the creation of 524 affordable housing units, Community House in Kings Beach, and the reduction of the achievement gap between English learners and other students in the Tahoe Truckee United School District. The Cowell Endowment for Strengthening Families at TTCF also funds much of the work that CCTT accomplishes with its 45 partnering agencies.

Some of Cowell’s most important work has been the cultivation of strong relationships and local leaders.

Lise Maisano, the Vice President of Cowell’s Grants Programs, has been extremely instrumental in this effort. Lise has been at the forefront of the family strengthening field for her entire career with organizations such as Giarretto Institute, Northern California Grantmakers and the Foundation Consortium.

Lise has been a constant supporter, emotionally invested in our key agencies and community members. Phebe Bell, ‎Program Manager for Health and Human Services in Nevada and Placer Counties, reflects,

“Lise has been an incredible ally for our region, advocating for [Cowell] to invest in the critical programs that support our families. Many organizations and programs have benefitted from Lise’s passion for social justice and poverty alleviation, her deep wisdom and experience in creating community change.  I cannot say strongly enough how lucky we are to have Lise as a partner.”

Lise’s work has been greatly reinforced by the efforts of her colleagues.  Jamie Alison-Hope and Ken Doane, Cowell Program Directors, have been integral to the foundation’s work in our region. Their personal dedication to our families and children is palpable and we are extremely grateful for their presence in our community.

This article first appeared in the April 27, 2016, Give Back Tahoe page in Sierra Sun.