$30 million gift from Sheila Wishek to community foundation

When the Lodi Community Foundation in California received an email confirming a $30 million donation, officials thought it was a mistake.

The historic gift, made by longtime philanthropist Sheila Wishek, is the largest the foundation has ever received. It will significantly expand the foundation’s ability to support local organizations and community initiatives.

“She had enough trust in us to know that if she donated to the Lodi Community Foundation, we would support the community in the way she would have,” said John Ledbetter, chairman of the foundation’s board of directors. “Maybe in some new ways.”

The donation is structured to establish an endowment, allowing the foundation to provide sustained funding for years to come.

With this expansion, the foundation is preparing to hire a CEO and small staff to manage its growing impact.

The organization is also finalizing the process for local nonprofits to apply for grant funding, with a focus on underserved areas.

“This gift transforms what we can do for Lodi,” Ledbetter said.

“Her generosity will benefit the community for generations.”