MODESTO, Calif. — The Save Mart Companies' CARES Foundation awarded more than $825,000 in 2025 to nonprofit organizations across California and Western Nevada, marking its 20th year of community giving and pushing its cumulative contributions to more than $6.3 million.
The philanthropic arm of The Save Mart Companies said the latest round of grants supports organizations focused on access to healthy food, education, the arts and essential community services in the markets where the regional grocer operates.
“At its heart, the CARES Foundation is about caring for our communities together,” said Joan Dobias-Davis, who chairs the foundation and is also senior vice president and chief human resources officer for The Save Mart Companies. “For 20 years, this work has been shaped by strong local relationships and the deep community knowledge shared by our stores, helping inform where CARES Foundation support can make the greatest impact.”
Founded to formalize the company’s community outreach, the CARES Foundation distributes grants quarterly to IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations within the company’s geographic footprint. The board meets four times a year to evaluate requests and allocate funding.
Over two decades, the CARES Foundation’s cumulative investments reflect the grocer’s regional concentration. Total giving by market since inception includes:
- Fresno: more than $790,000
- Modesto: more than $1.7 million
- Reno: more than $400,000
- Sacramento: more than $515,000
- San Francisco and San Jose: $80,000
- Stockton: nearly $100,000
Executives said the 2025 grants enabled nonprofit partners to expand programs, deepen services and respond to evolving local needs.
For organizations addressing food insecurity, foundation funding helped bolster frontline capacity.
“The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation grants have allowed us to support our 110 partner agencies who tirelessly work throughout our community providing healthy, nutritious food to those in need,” said Christina Cleveland, director of development for Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services.
Education initiatives were also among this year’s beneficiaries. Andrea Wilson, executive director of the Pleasanton Partnership in Education Foundation, said CARES Foundation support funds student and teacher grants that expand hands-on learning beyond standard curricula.
“CARES Foundation support allows us to invest directly in student and teacher grants, giving students access to hands-on learning opportunities that extend beyond standard curricula,” Wilson said.
Arts organizations cited the ripple effect of corporate-backed philanthropy.
“Perhaps the most important benefit is the extra credibility,” said Roy Stevens, general director of Opera Modesto, noting that foundation grants help signal stability and community endorsement to other donors.
Health-focused nonprofits similarly pointed to the lasting reach of the funding.
“Support from The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation has had a lasting and meaningful impact on the Nevada Diabetes Association and the families we serve,” said Alex Schopp, director of development for the Nevada Diabetes Association. He said foundation grants help make the group’s diabetes camp programs accessible to children who might not otherwise attend, providing medical support, education and peer connection.
For regional grocers, community investment often doubles as a brand and loyalty strategy, particularly as competition intensifies from national chains and alternative formats. By directing funds to hyperlocal initiatives, Save Mart reinforces ties to the neighborhoods it serves across California and Western Nevada.
The CARES Foundation’s philanthropic focus centers on supporting programs that provide resources, education and access to healthy experiences and choices for children and adults. Company leaders say the foundation’s longevity reflects a belief that strong communities are built through sustained local partnerships rather than one-time contributions.
As the foundation enters its third decade, executives indicated the priorities will remain consistent: invest in local partners, respond to pressing community needs and help families and neighborhoods thrive.
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