A Partnership That Keeps Growing: Estelle J. Kelsey Foundation Increases Support to $20,000

As Executive Director of Good Shepherd's Clothes Closet, I've had the privilege of witnessing some incredible partnerships over the years, but few have been as meaningful and impactful as our ongoing relationship with the Estelle J. Kelsey Foundation.

A Foundation That Believes in Growth

This year, I'm thrilled to share that the Estelle J. Kelsey Foundation has increased their annual grant to $20,000, up from $15,000 in 2023. This represents not just a financial increase, but a vote of confidence in the direction we're heading and the impact we're making together.

When I look back at our relationship with the foundation, I'm struck by how they've consistently supported us through different phases of our organization's growth. Their willingness to increase their investment year after year demonstrates something I deeply value in a funding partner—they're not just writing checks, they're truly invested in our success and the success of the people we serve.

Why This Support Matters

The foundation's increased support comes at a crucial time for Good Shepherd's Clothes Closet. We continue to serve over 800 people monthly through our main facility, and our innovative Micro Closet partnership program with organizations like Bristlecone Family Resource Center, Eddy House, and Circle Of Life Guest House keeps expanding.

What the Estelle J. Kelsey Foundation understands—and what makes them such an exceptional partner—is that their support validates our approach and allows us to think bigger about how we can serve our community. It's not just about the financial support, though that's certainly important. It's about having a foundation that believes in our mission enough to increase their investment year over year.

More Than Just Funding

In 2024 alone, we distributed over $1.2 million worth of clothing to community members in need. But behind those numbers are real stories—job seekers who gained confidence for interviews, children who felt proud walking into school, families who maintained their dignity during difficult times.

The Estelle J. Kelsey Foundation gets this. They understand that clothing is about more than covering basic needs. Founder Estelle J. Kelsey's vision of helping vulnerable populations "grow, learn and fulfill their dreams and aspirations" aligns perfectly with what we see happening in our community every single day.

Building Something Sustainable

What I appreciate most about this partnership is how it allows us to plan strategically for growth while maintaining our core commitment to serving clients with dignity and respect. Having predictable, increasing support from a foundation like Estelle J. Kelsey enables us to focus on program innovation and expansion rather than constantly worrying about basic operational funding.

This kind of partnership creates a multiplier effect. When other potential funders see that a respected foundation like Estelle J. Kelsey is not only supporting us but increasing that support, it gives them confidence in our work and our mission.

Looking Forward

As we prepare for our Classic Car Show fundraiser on September 13, 2025, we do so from a position of strength, backed by partners like the Estelle J. Kelsey Foundation who have demonstrated their commitment to our mission year after year.

The foundation's increased 2024 grant provides both immediate resources and long-term confidence as we continue exploring new ways to reach community members who need our services most. We're excited about the possibilities ahead and grateful to have partners who are willing to grow with us.

A Model Partnership

The relationship between Good Shepherd's Clothes Closet and the Estelle J. Kelsey Foundation represents what effective philanthropy looks like. Rather than spreading resources thinly across many organizations, they're making deeper investments in partners who share their values and vision.

This approach creates lasting change. By focusing on organizations that prioritize dignity, innovation, and measurable impact, the Estelle J. Kelsey Foundation continues honoring their founder's legacy while adapting to contemporary community needs.

Gratitude and Recognition

On behalf of everyone at Good Shepherd's Clothes Closet, I want to express our deep gratitude to the Estelle J. Kelsey Foundation for their continued and increased support. Their partnership has been instrumental in our ability to serve our community with dignity and effectiveness.

But more than that, I want to recognize what this partnership represents for our clients and our community. When foundations like Estelle J. Kelsey invest in organizations like ours, they're investing in hope, dignity, and the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with respect, regardless of their circumstances.

The foundation's escalating support serves as an example for other philanthropic partnerships in Northern Nevada, demonstrating how strategic, increasing investments in proven organizations can create exponential community impact.

Thank you, Estelle J. Kelsey Foundation, for believing in our mission and for being true partners in this important work.

For more information about Good Shepherd's Clothes Closet and our programs, visit gsccreno.org.

Dave McLaughlin
Executive Director
Good Shepherd's Clothes Closet