Journal Entry #4: TFCF’s growth and Fiscal Sponsorship
It has been a while since our last newsletter update! Looking back at the past couple weeks and months, here are a few highlights of what we have accomplished together:
Been featured in various news outlets for the work in our community, including CBS News, the LA Times, and the Pasadena Star News
Launched a crowd source concept design campaign to engage our design community and begin the Catalog’s production. We will be sharing initial concept designs over the next couple weeks!
Grown our following and spread awareness about Altadena’s architectural character, heritage, and culture
Grown our advisory board of experts and professionals in various fields including architecture, construction, finance, law, community, and more
Worked with LA County on weekly calls to develop a process for pre-approving plans without a designated lot, which will be able to be utilized by all architects and designers moving forward, helping to streamline the building process in general
Continued to refine our framework of the Catalog, and how each stakeholder might engage in the process
Developed an in-depth style guide to help inform the Catalog’s home designs
Hosted and participated in several events to help inform the rebuild process, including the first of our “Altadena Revealed” lecture series that was attended by almost 250 community members
Everything we have accomplished up until this point has been powered by your support, and our volunteer’s efforts. We are so grateful for everyone who has and continues to volunteer their time and efforts to grow TFCF from a kernel of an idea to what is has become today.
To take TFCF to the next level, and to deliver this resource to the community at scale, we will need to build out a robust organization with dedicated, full-time staff, consultants, and cover all other necessary business expenses, which requires critical funding.
To help us achieve this goal, we are happy to officially announce that The Foothill Catalog Foundation is now fiscally sponsored by Community Partners. Community Partners is a nonprofit fiscal sponsor and intermediary organization that provides us with administrative services, expert guidance, and the benefits of tax-exempt status.
This fiscal sponsorship will allow us to be immediately eligible for tax-deductible donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations while we await our own 501(c)(3) status approval. We are hopeful that with the ability to now take on tax-deductible donations, we will be able to scale our operations and exponentially further our mission. For more information, please visit our new donation platform:
With your support, we will work to ensure that well designed, resilient, sustainable, and regionally sensitive home designs are accessible, and that as many people as possible will have the choice to rebuild and remain in this community that they call home.
In Other News…
We’ve been busy!
Our first call for concept designs, the first step of the Catalog’s production, launched last week. If you are an architect or designer and would like to get involved, please contact us
Last Friday, almost 250 community members and building professionals gathered for the first Altadena Revealed lecture series, featuring Michele Zack! This lecture was recorded and we will be sharing the recording link on our website and social media accounts shortly.
Last Saturday, Cynthia joined Shawna Dawson Beer, community leader of Beautiful Altadena for a conversation about rebuilding after the fires at the Unique Markets Spring Market. This recording will also be available on our website and social media accounts.
For answers to some frequently asked questions, please visit our FAQ pages. These pages are subject to evolve, and will be updated as our timeline and process is developed more in depth.
Coming up
TFCF will be participating in DxD Day hosted by ACLA (Architecture for Communities Los Angeles) on April 5th, from 9am - 2pm.
The next Altadena Revealed lecture series is tentatively scheduled for April 25th
A community workshop and informational event will be planned in the next few weeks to showcase some of the initial concept designs - date to be announced.
As always - reach out anytime if you have any questions would like to know more, or want to get involved with TFCF. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, please fill out our volunteer intake form! This is a collective movement to rebuild our community, and we would love to have you on our team.
Until Next Time,
The Foothill Catalog
Be sure to follow us on Instagram (@thefoothillcatalog), Facebook, and/or Linkedin for more real time updates.