We are proud to announce the hire of our first executive director, Mill Valley resident, Dawn Shalhoup. After 63 years as an all-volunteer nonprofit organization, the role was established due to continued organizational growth, increased endowment funding and a rise in requests for grants.
We support at-risk youth, ages 11-18 by granting funds to nonprofits serving this demographic in Marin County. Grants of up to $7,500 are provided to agencies who submit applications and are vetted by Marin Charitable volunteers. On February 19, 2025 we granted $256,725 to 51 agencies in the county.
Shalhoup brings a wealth of experience in marketing, management and nonprofit expertise to her new position. As a volunteer member, she has held various positions within Marin Charitable, including President, Treasurer and Committee Chairperson. With this experience, Shalhoup has been able to hit the ground running, creating a strategic plan and setting short and long-term goals. A natural storyteller, she is the perfect person to help Marin Charitable write the next chapter in our organization's history.
“It’s quite an honor to be the first Executive Director for an organization that’s been built solely by volunteers since 1961,” said Shalhoup. “The needs of our youth only seem to be growing, and we’re thrilled to have consistent boots on the ground to ensure we’re doing all we can to help our nonprofits succeed. It feels good,” she said.
The agencies that we help to fund focus on everything from food insecurity to homelessness, educational opportunities, accessibility to sports, art and mental health counseling. Many organizations rely on micro grants to underpin their grassroots efforts while others use Marin Charitable grants as seed funding to ignite a brand new initiative.
For example, Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center, used—and continues to use—Marin Charitable’s grants to establish a program using the curative powers of horses to support youth in overcoming physical, emotional, behavioral and cognitive challenges. Other agencies that benefit from our grants include Beyond Hunger, Performing Stars of Marin, Next Generation Scholars, Art From the Heart, just to name a few.
“What makes us unique among other grantmaking organizations is that "we visit every agency we fund, each year,” said President Cindy Weaver. “It allows us to stay abreast of the agency’s growth and more importantly, the constantly changing needs of our community,” she said. “We are thrilled to have Dawn Shalhoup as our first Executive Director.”
Supported by dedicated funds for this capacity-building role, the new hire is a natural progression in our ongoing commitment to expanding and sustaining our impact on improving the lives of Marin's youth. To become a member, a sponsor, apply for a grant, or to learn more about Marin Charitable, please visit marincharitable.org.
We are Marin Charitable: a registered 501(c)(3) charity, all-volunteer, nonprofit organization celebrating 63 years of service that raises monies in order to provide grants to nonprofit organizations with programs serving school-aged children within Marin County. We are a Candid GuideStar Gold Seal-rated organization.
With a dedicated team, a growing impact, and now, the leadership of our first Executive Director, Marin Charitable is poised to strengthen our support for Marin’s youth like never before. Join us as a member here. Or attend one of our events here. Or make a donation here and start making a difference today!
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