Foundation Can Hire Part-Time Director

The 3-year-old Tustin Community Foundation will be able to hire a part-time executive director with a $30,000 grant approved by the City Council this week.

The nonprofit foundation needs a director to raise its visibility in the community, establish more credibility with donors and develop a public relations campaign, said Jim McDonald, president of the foundation’s board.

“Our goal is to raise $100,000 next year, but we don’t feel we can do that without an executive director position,” McDonald said. “We’re building momentum, and what we need now is a shot in the arm to get things moving.”

The council approved the $30,000, which will pay for a 20-hour-a-week position, by a 3-2 vote.

Mayor Tracy Wills Worley and Councilman Michael J. Doyle dissented, saying they favored a loan rather than an outright grant.

Council members who supported the grant, however, said the money represents an investment in the community and a show of support for the foundation.

“We have a responsibility to see that this is kicked off right . . . and to send a message that we’re really behind this,” Councilman Thomas R. Saltarelli said. “We need to get this thing cranking so it generates more money back into the community.”

Since its inception in 1993, the foundation has raised about $100,000 and spent about $75,000 on charitable causes, such as purchase of computers for the city’s youth center.

McDonald said one of the foundation’s goals is to establish and manage long-term investments.

Foundation officials will begin seeking candidates this month, he said.