Yes, We Can
The McKenna Foundation, established in February 2008, was born from the sale of the McKenna Health System to Christus Santa Rosa. What was true then remains true today– the McKenna Foundation exists for the community and by the community.
Over the past 16 years, the McKenna Foundation has invested more than $32 million in projects and programs that enhance the health and well-being of our neighbors. Our grant-making initiatives and program plans are guided by an ongoing dialogue with the community, extensive discussions, gathering data, researching, and building consensus. Discover insights with the McKenna Foundation’s community needs survey data 2018 vs. 2024.
In 2025, our grantmaking was deeply informed by community voice. That listening led us to focus our time, attention, and funding on areas where underdeveloped social infrastructure created real gaps in support. We prioritized needs where nonprofits were too often forced to say, “No, we can’t help you.” Through our investments, we worked to help shift the community response toward “Yes, we can.”
As we move into 2026, we are staying the course and building on measurable early progress. Foundational work is underway, capacity is strengthening, and there is more to do. We remain focused on targeted, high-impact investments and will continue to support ideas and projects that are well-aligned, community-informed, and positioned to advance durable change.
Explore details in the 2026 Grantmaking Fact Sheet.
