Jim and Judy Ganulin

Jim and Judy Ganulin Family Fund

As part of their Jewish faith, Jim and Judy Ganulin grew up learning the concept of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), and it’s clear they’ve taken that message to heart. It’s been only a few years since the couple moved to Placer County from Fresno where they had been active in the community for 46 years. Still, the Ganulins dove right into philanthropy in their new region, changing their focus from mostly bricks and mortar projects in Fresno to mostly program and people services here.

Soon, they became supporters of Placer Community Foundation (PCF). “The Community Foundation allows us to give to varied causes, and they vet the nonprofits for us,” Jim said.

The Ganulins opened the Jim and Judy Ganulin Family Fund, a Donor Advised Fund which allows them to direct their giving. “We’re control freaks,” Judy laughed. “We like to choose where we give, and the Donor Advised Fund facilitates that,” Jim added.

Since partnering with PCF, the Ganulins have supported our county’s most at-risk youth and young adults, most recently by supporting a program that provides laptops to foster youth. They’ve also supported programs in early literacy for students in grades K-2, and promotion of 78 local nonprofit organizations through the online giving challenge, BIG Day of Giving. Most meaningful was a gift to PCF’s Community Needs Fund for the purpose of purchasing a mobile, refrigerated food pantry.  This food truck now delivers an additional 13,000 pounds of food and fresh produce to hungry families and seniors. “We can’t stand the idea of people going hungry,” Judy said.

In addition, the Ganulins have worked with Placer Community Foundation to support national and international causes like Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America. Other causes they’ve supported are the Wounded Warrior Project, and flood and hurricane relief wherever these emergencies occur. “Sometimes we know where we want to give, and sometimes [PCF] makes a suggestion,” Judy said. “We like to ask around, find out about a need, and fund it,” Jim added. “It’s rewarding.”

Both Jim and Judy give of their time as well as money. Jim joined PCF’s Giving Circle, he’s a mentor with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and he and Judy both volunteer at local elementary schools, helping children learn to read. “Helping the community is a great way to meet people,” Jim said.

Placer Community Foundation welcomes the Ganulins to Placer County. We’re honored that they have entrusted us to guide their charitable giving, and we look forward to working with them for many years to come.