Poway foundation seeks donors as 30 nonprofits vie for grants

More than 30 Poway nonprofits have applied for grants from the Poway Community Foundation. Co-chair Ginger Couvrette says the money raised so far is not enough.

The foundation's second annual Brews & Boots and Corks fundraiser brought in more than $45,000 on Aug. 17 at Old Poway Park. That total cannot cover the growing number of applicants, Couvrette told the San Diego Union-Tribune.

"To keep pace and fund more deserving programs, we need additional support from individuals, families and local businesses," she said.

The foundation, which Couvrette co-chairs with her husband, John Couvrette, runs entirely on volunteer labor. Corporate sponsors cover operating costs, so every dollar donated goes directly to grants and programs, according to the foundation. Donations range from $50 to $5,000, and corporate sponsorships are also available.

Over the past two years, the organization has awarded more than $175,000 to local nonprofits. In 2025 alone, it distributed more than $106,000 in grants to groups including Friends of the Poway Library, the Poway Symphony Orchestra Foundation, Ride Above Disability Therapeutic Riding Center, the Poway Neighborhood Emergency Corps and Poway OnStage.

This year's applicants serve the community in areas including the arts, education, health care, seniors, veterans, families and individuals with special needs, Couvrette said. Couvrette stepped away from the Poway Unified School District board to focus on the foundation, the Union-Tribune reported in August.

A volunteer Grant Committee reviews each applicant's standards, budget and potential community benefit before inviting finalists to panel interviews. Once grants are awarded, the committee shifts into an oversight role, visiting recipients throughout the year to track progress, according to the foundation.

After the Brews & Boots event, Couvrette said she wanted to keep growing the fundraiser. "Our goals are to raise even more funding for the nonprofits serving Poway while creating a fun, memorable event that brings our community together," she told the Union-Tribune in August.

Residents and businesses can donate or learn more at PowayCommunityFoundation.org, by emailing [email protected], or by calling Couvrette at 858-243-5304.