Fundraising/Membership

Sierra Services for the Blind is 100% self funded. That means that we do not take any government grant funding. We keep our doors open through private grants, fundraising, our clients generous donations, the public's generous donations and estate designations.

We have four main fundraisers through out the year:

Membership Drive: Sierra Services for the Blind is unique in that it is ultimately controlled by the membership. The purpose of the Memberships is to allow the community, and specifically the clients to maintain control of the agency.  In this manner they are assured the agency will continue to meet the needs of the client, and retain their stated purpose to provide the education and training, counseling and transportation necessary to retain the independence of the blind and visually impaired of our community.

Another aspect is the Memberships ability is to address the makeup of the Board of Directors and ensure the agency as committed to the need of the client and community.  At the Annual Meeting members can vote out members of the Board they feel are not acting in the best interest of the agency. 

If you would like to be part of this unique membership please CONTACT US. You can also print out our Membership Application and mail it into 546 Searls Ave., Nevada City, CA 95959. Here is the link to our application.

Lasagna & Mexican Dinner: There is fun to be had at our dinners! We have the reputation of feeding you and feeding you well. The Lasagna Dinner is usually help in February/March and is hand made by Richard, our Executive Director and Sarah, our Office Coordinator. Always served with a salad, fresh vegetables and bread, you will not leave hungry. Oh and the desert...a couple of our clients just come for the desert.

Usually, the Mexican Dinner is usually held in September. People who attend are served hand made enchiladas, with salad, beans and rice. Also made by our Executive Director, Richard and Sarah, our Office Coordinator. The people who attend enjoy this event because there is a raffle and silent auction. Things on the list are usually gift certificates for local restaurants and businesses and perhaps a bottle of wine. Nobody ever leaves one of our dinners unsatisfied. You can find current information about either event on our CALENDAR page. 

Golf Classic: May 2026, we will be the recipients of the FR. Phelan 25th Annual Golf Classic presented by the Knights of Columbus. 

Donations and Planned Giving: Besides the grant we received last year from Dignity Health, we are largely self funded. Monetary donations are an important part of our daily operations. This form of donation can be done with a credit card or by mail. Estate donations have also been an important part of our support and we rely on them for our continued existence. We encourage you to consider adding a donation to Sierra Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired as a part of your Will or Trust planning. Please contact Richard for a short discussion to learn more about how you can help pass on the legacy.