Mission & History
Cal-Nev-Ha Children's Fund History
The Cal-Nev-Ha Children's Fund was established in 1965 in response to the devastating floods in the Northern California town of Klamath. Looking for a way to give back, Kiwanians from across the Cal-Nev-Ha District pooled their funds to rebuild the town.
Since 1965, the Cal-Nev-Ha Children's Fund has been meeting the needs of children within our three-state district. In 2019, we changed our name from the Kiwanis Cal-Nev-Ha Foundation to the Cal-Nev-Ha Children's Fund to better reflect our commitment to children.
Much has changed since we were founded; however, one thing has remained constant: our mission to build a better future for children.
The Cal-Nev-Ha Children's Fund is building a BETTER FUTURE for our children.
Our Core Values
commitment
We have an untiring commitment to children. We strive daily to develop a student’s leadership potential through our student leadership training program. We inspire students to advance their learning through our scholarship program. And we create safe and healthy environments for children through our Pediatric Trauma Program.
stewardship
We are dedicated to developing an ongoing relationship with our donors, including investing their contributions wisely, adhering to the Donors’ Bill of Rights and ensuring their generosity is directed in a way both meaningful to the donor and in keeping with the values inherent in the Cal-Nev-Ha Children’s Fund.
Integrity
As an organization, we value openness and honesty with all persons with whom we interact, using sound ethics to guide us in our endeavors. We accept responsibility for our actions by being honest, ethical and trustworthy. We are committed to treating all constituents fairly and ethically, and to be transparent in all of our dealings.
Legacy
We fulfill our mission to build a better future for our children by creating effective working relationships with Kiwanis members and clubs. We build strong alliances with our partner hospitals and other stakeholders who can assist us in our mission of serving children, and leave a lasting mark on the world.
Diversity
We value the perspectives which originate from differences of race, faith, experience, and thought. We respect the dignity of each person and through our mission strive to instill a deep sense of self-worth in each child we serve.
Our Strategic Plan
In 2025, the Cal-Nev-Ha Children's Fund Board of Directors undertook the task of updating the organization's Strategic Plan. Our latest Strategic Plan establishes goals for both the short and long term that support our mission and vision. The 2025 Strategic Plan specifically addresses enhanced fundraising to support the current programs, and the training of talented and motivated board members.
Goal #1:
Create a plan to sustain an annual fundraising goal of $1 million plus
Goal #2:
Provide annual fundraising training for the Executive Director, Staff and Directors
Goal #3:
Develop a marketing program to target non-Kiwanis funding sources
Goal #4:
Review and change as necessary all fundraising activities and programs