About the Foundation
501(c)(3) / 88-0981315
Our Mission
The Golden State Foundation exists to support cultural, educational, and community-based initiatives that strengthen the social fabric of California.
We believe thriving communities are built through access to arts, education, heritage, and shared gathering spaces. Our work supports programs that foster creativity, stewardship, and intergenerational connection throughout the state.
OUR PURPOSE
California is vast, diverse, and deeply layered with history, culture, and natural beauty. Yet many grassroots initiatives and rural communities lack consistent funding streams to sustain meaningful programming.
The Golden State Foundation was established to serve as a funding vehicle that can:
• Apply for grants
• Receive tax-deductible donations
• Support educational programming
• Invest in cultural and community projects
• Expand impact beyond individually produced events
While our current efforts focus on a select number of programs, our long-term vision is to support independent projects and community initiatives throughout the state as resources grow.
What We Support
The Foundation supports initiatives that fall within the following areas:
Arts and Cultural Preservation
Programs that celebrate heritage, storytelling, music, visual arts, and community traditions.
Education and Youth Enrichment
Initiatives that bring experiential learning, ecological awareness, and creative exploration to children and families.
Stewardship of History & Place
Supporting initiatives that protect the cultural memory and historical landscapes of California.
Community Gathering and Stewardship
Projects that foster belonging, connection, and civic engagement across diverse populations.
Environmental and Regional Awareness
Programs that highlight California’s natural ecosystems and encourage stewardship of local landscapes.
Leadership
The Golden State Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors committed to ethical stewardship, financial transparency, and responsible growth.
The board brings experience in event production, community leadership, arts, nonprofit operations, and regional development. As the Foundation continues to grow, additional advisors and committee members will be appointed to support expanding initiatives.
President
Kimberly Vaughan
Kimberly Vaughan is a California-based cultural producer and nonprofit leader dedicated to strengthening communities through arts, heritage, and shared public experiences. As Founder and President of the Golden State Foundation, she leads strategic vision, program development, and community partnerships that support fine arts exhibitions, living history performance, and traditional cultural initiatives across the state.
With more than a decade of experience producing large-scale cultural events and educational programs, Kimberly’s work centers on stewardship, sustainability, and elevating artistic standards. She is committed to building platforms that preserve craftsmanship, support artists, and create meaningful gathering spaces for intergenerational connection throughout California.
Secretary
WOLF FAULKINS
Wolf Faulkins is a longtime Mariposa resident, community volunteer, and advocate for local cultural events that bring people together. He currently serves as Treasurer of the Mariposa Butterfly Festival, where he helps oversee the financial stewardship of one of the region’s most beloved community celebrations. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year while supporting the Butterfly Education Program, which provides butterfly kits and learning resources to classrooms throughout the region.
Wolf is also actively involved in the planning and growth of the Yosemite Chivalry & Fantasy Festival, where he contributes to sponsorship development, vendor coordination, and the immersive atmosphere that has helped the festival become a fast-growing tourism event in the Sierra foothills.
With a passion for history, storytelling, and community celebration, Wolf brings a grounded and collaborative spirit to every project he supports. His work behind the scenes helps ensure that these events continue to inspire families, celebrate creativity, and strengthen the cultural life of the Mariposa region.
Outside of festival work, Wolf enjoys the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada and takes pride in supporting initiatives that connect people with the land, local history, and one another.
Treasurer
R. Dominic Coleman
Wolf Faulkins is a longtime Mariposa resident, community volunteer, and advocate for local cultural events that bring people together. He currently serves as Treasurer of the Mariposa Butterfly Festival, where he helps oversee the financial stewardship of one of the region’s most beloved community celebrations. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year while supporting the Butterfly Education Program, which provides butterfly kits and learning resources to classrooms throughout the region.
Wolf is also actively involved in the planning and growth of the Yosemite Chivalry & Fantasy Festival, where he contributes to sponsorship development, vendor coordination, and the immersive atmosphere that has helped the festival become a fast-growing tourism event in the Sierra foothills.
With a passion for history, storytelling, and community celebration, Wolf brings a grounded and collaborative spirit to every project he supports. His work behind the scenes helps ensure that these events continue to inspire families, celebrate creativity, and strengthen the cultural life of the Mariposa region.
Outside of festival work, Wolf enjoys the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada and takes pride in supporting initiatives that connect people with the land, local history, and one another.
OUR COMMITMENT
We are committed to:
• Responsible fiscal management
• Transparency in funding allocation
• Supporting programs that align with our mission
• Building sustainable community partnerships
• Expanding access to arts and education in underserved areas
OUR VISION
In the coming years, the Golden State Foundation aims to:
• Secure grant funding to expand educational programs
• Establish a formal project application process
• Develop partnerships with schools and community organizations
• Support independent community-based initiatives
• Create measurable, lasting impact beyond any single event
We believe California’s communities are strongest when creativity, culture, and education are supported with intention.
This is the work we are building toward.