Mendiburu Magic Foundation responds to the unmet needs of Kern County, please contact a staff representative for anything that may not be related to Cancer Care or Patient Assistance, our primary focus areas.  The Board of Directors will consider unique requests.

graduating students

Awards

Each year, MMF awards and recognizes overall outstanding community investment (Nancy Ann Mendiburu Compassion Awards in the areas of cancer research, community investment, medical social work and youth development). In addition, since 2000, the foundation has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County to proudly name the Nancy Ann Mendiburu Youth of the Year. The awards ceremony/selection is coordinated by local Boys & Girls Club staff and the award recipient is automatically qualified as a regional candidate representing the Western United States.

Nancy Ann Mendiburu Compassion Award

Nancy Ann Mendiburu

Nancy Ann Mendiburu’s greatest legacy to the world is compassion. Her strength of character and bedrock belief in right and wrong has gone admired by those who knew her. Thus, it is fitting that the highest honor awarded by the Mendiburu Magic Foundation carries the name of the beloved woman. This prestigious award is bestowed upon those who have made monumental and lasting contributions to the cause of empathy and compassion. The Nancy Ann Mendiburu Compassion Award recognizes the caring ways of an individual who has promoted this philosophy and commitment around the world. Since 2000, MMF has awarded these four categories:

  • Innovative Cancer Research Program
  • Outstanding Medical Social Work
  • Outstanding Youth Development Program
  • President’s Award for Outstanding Community Contribution
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Nancy Ann Mendiburu Youth of the Year Award

IN PARTNERHSIP WITH BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF KERN COUNTY

In collaboration with our local Club, Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County’s premier youth recognition program promotes and celebrates Club members’ service to Club, community and family; academic performance; moral character, and life goals. The Youth of the Year program is an effective tool for fostering young people’s personal growth and leadership qualities. The local Club recognizes Youths of the Month and select a Youth of the Year, who then participates in state competition.

State winners participate in regional competition. Five regional winners each receive a $5,000 scholarship and compete on the national level. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $10,000 scholarship and is installed by the President of the United States.  Programs in this Core Program Area empower youth to support and influence their Club and community, sustain meaningful relationships with others, develop a positive self-image, participate in the democratic process and respect their own and others’ cultural identities.

Character development has been identified as a major area of emphasis in our Movement’s strategic plan for the next five years. The Nancy Ann Mendiburu award describes what a Club looks like when it makes character development a cornerstone of its philosophy and programs.

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Larry E. Reider Youth Professional Award

Larry Reider

Dr. Larry E. Reider was a key member of the founding committee (elected as Kern County Superintendent of Schools, 1999-2009) to build Mendiburu Magic Foundation, the first-ever Chairman for the Mendiburu Magic Community Advisory Board of Directors and Vice-Chair for the Board of Trustees, since 2000.  On behalf of the Mendiburu Magic Foundation, the prestigious Larry E. Reider Award is presented annually to an outstanding Youth Development Professional in the area of social enrichment, arts, literacy, or character development.

The award recipient is screened by the organization awards & scholarships committee and chosen based on his/her commitment and dedication to the cultivation of young people in Kern County.  His/her valued work with young people county-wide has shaped responsible citizens who make our community a better place.  In addition, the award is presented to a professional who helps young people realize their full potential through excellence in programming and innovation.

Larry E. Reider clearly represents integrity, hard work, and always doing the right thing, no matter who is looking.  If you can lend a helping hand, then do it, without desire for repayment later.  This sort of selfless dedication to his community and profession is found in this worthy award recipient.

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Mini-Grants

The Foundation does accept requests from area non-profit organizations, in the form of annual grant proposals not to exceed $3,000.00 per allocation. The mini-grant proposals must facilitate any worthy community asset and are due by August 1 of each calendar year (subject to discretion of The Board of Directors).

Application RFP

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