The Community Foundation of Western Nevada was established in 1998 as a public charity, and has since distributed more than $120 million in grants and scholarships from 252 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. The Community Foundation serves as a community leader, permanent charitable resource, and a philanthropic advisor in charitable giving.
Christopher Askin, CSPG, CFRE, has been the President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Western Nevada since June 2000, during which time the Foundation has grown from assets of less than $1 million to $103 million, while distributing more than $108 million in grants. The Foundation has become the local leader in charitable gift planning and bequest arrangements in the region, offering the full range of community foundation services within the region, nationally, and internationally. Community impact through leadership is a very important part of the Foundation’s work and engages hundreds of community residents. Chris has a strong background in community engagement, non-profit administration, fundraising, and in bringing people together to address community needs. Chris spent ten years serving in development positions with local and national organizations raising funds through grant writing, major gifts, capital gifts, and planned giving. Chris completed the YMCA Executive Development Program in 1998, became a Certified Fund Raising Executive in 1996 and a Certified Specialist in Planned Giving in 2003. Chris has led and served on numerous community boards. During his spare time, Chris enjoys cycling, hiking, backpacking, reading, and traveling.