As money got tighter in 2009, The Sierra Fund got more creative in our own approach to philanthropy. Advised by our Board and Sierra conservation leaders, The Sierra Fund made philanthropic dollars work hard to leverage public funding for vital projects. We raised money from private contributors to provide cash flow loans to key Sierra Nevada conservation organizations during the state grant “freeze”. We fostered a new health services program as well as projects to acquire significant lands along the Yuba River. And, our Donor Advised Funds invested in young leaders, wild rivers and a variety of other important causes.