A Force for Good: Nancy Ausonio
CFMC Fundholder Nancy Ausonio
Nancy Ausonio is a down-to-earth dynamo. She is a role model for others who seek to make a difference. Nancy is not afraid to “dig in” on behalf of her community. Whether it’s beautifying her hometown of Castroville by gardening on clean up day, serving as a board member for a nonprofit organization, or contributing to worthwhile causes, she likes to give back any way she can. From the Artichoke Festival to the local Rotary Club, Nancy can be found where things need doing. “I always just wanted to help somebody,” she explains.
Giving Time and Treasure
Nancy gives to make a difference, offering both her time and money. She is a founding board member of the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries, and is President of the Friends of the Andy Ausonio Library
where she takes an active role in fundraising, especially for projects benefiting local youth. She is a past board member of the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital (SVMH) Foundation, as well as the CFMC, where, as an active member of the grants committee, she enjoyed visiting and learning about local nonprofits.
If you’re blessed to have made it, it’s nice to be able to give something back. – Nancy Ausonio
Her favorite causes include organizations benefiting seniors, youth, healthcare (the Nancy Ausonio Mammography Center at SVMH is named in her honor), the CFMC’s Women’s Fund and her local church.
She has received many honors including the KSBW Jefferson Award, the “Luchessi in the World” award (from her parents’ hometown of Lucca, Italy) and the Junior Achievement Monterey Bay Business Hall of Fame. She was named Champion of the Arts by the Arts Council for Monterey County and Outstanding Woman of Monterey County.
She and her late husband, Andy, gave back for many years. The library in Castroville is named in his honor, thanks to Nancy’s leadership efforts. She has passed her values down to her family. Her three children are involved in serving the community and supporting nonprofits in their own right.
The Power of Endowment
Nancy created her donor advised fund at the CFMC in 2003. Since then, she has granted more than half of her initial contribution. And, thanks to the power of endowment, the balance of the fund is greater now than when she started. It will have the power to continue to help the community forever.
Leaving a Legacy
Nancy understands the impact of planned giving. She intends to add to her fund through an estate gift which will carry on her philanthropic legacy.
“It’s all in place. It will continue after I’m gone. Just knowing you’re helping someone that doesn’t have anything or very little feels good.” – Nancy Ausonio
On working with the CFMC Nancy adds, “You put (your) money in – It’s easy.I like the list of (grantmaking) opportunities.” When asked what she would tell others that were considering giving back to the community she says, “Do something!”