Nevada County Launches Community Disaster Preparedness Network

Community Foundation leads effort to establish Western Nevada County COAD to coordinate nonprofits, faith groups, and government agencies for disaster response.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 7:49am

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The Community Foundation of Nevada County (COFO NC) has been leading the effort to establish a Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) for Western Nevada County, bringing together nonprofits, faith-based organizations, government agencies, and community groups to strengthen local disaster preparedness and response. The COAD will coordinate nonprofit resources, integrate them with local government, and work to eliminate duplication of efforts in all phases of disaster preparedness and recovery.

Why it matters

A COAD is a critical tool for improving community resilience and disaster response, ensuring that local organizations can work together efficiently to meet the needs of residents impacted by emergencies. This effort in Western Nevada County builds on the success of an existing COAD in the eastern part of the county, tailoring the approach to the unique resources and challenges of the western region.

The details

COFO NC received a $75,000 grant to stand up the Western Nevada County COAD, which has involved working with dozens of community partners to create a blueprint for how the network will function. The process has included input from Nevada County Health and Human Services, the Nevada County Office of Emergency Services, and other key stakeholders. More than 42 organizations have participated in the planning so far, including nonprofits, faith groups, and government agencies. The completed blueprint will include an asset map, communication plan, and organizational structure for the COAD.

  • In October 2025, COFO NC received a $75,000 disaster readiness grant from the League of California Community Foundations.
  • Over the past several months, a consultant has been working with community partners to create a blueprint for the Western Nevada County COAD.
  • The first two planning meetings were held to identify community needs and map resources, while a third meeting reviewed the proposed COAD blueprint.
  • A fourth meeting will be held for participating organizations to provide feedback before the blueprint is finalized by the end of March 2026.
  • Once the blueprint is complete, a COAD Manager will begin the process of formally standing up the Western Nevada County COAD later in 2026, ahead of wildfire season.

The players

Community Foundation of Nevada County (COFO NC)

The local community foundation leading the effort to establish the Western Nevada County COAD.

Nevada County Office of Emergency Services

A key partner providing input and coordination with the COAD planning process.

Cristine Kelly

The CEO of the Community Foundation of Nevada County.

Alex Keeble-Toll

The Director of Nevada County's Office of Emergency Services.

Erika Kosina

The contact person at the Community Foundation for organizations interested in participating in the Western Nevada County COAD.

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What they’re saying

“The Community Foundation is uniquely positioned to convene community based organizations and lead this effort. We are bringing together organizations that may not normally work together to plan how we can support all members of our community more effectively when disaster strikes.”

— Cristine Kelly, CEO, Community Foundation of Nevada County

“A resilient Nevada County requires the whole community to be involved in disaster planning and preparedness. Government and first responders play a critical role, but community partners are a force multiplier in this space. By coordinating communication and resources among nonprofit and faith-based organizations, our COADs streamline and strengthen the ability to meet unmet needs during and after a disaster.”

— Alex Keeble-Toll, Director, Nevada County Office of Emergency Services

What’s next

Once the COAD blueprint is finalized by the end of March 2026, a COAD Manager will begin the process of formally standing up the Western Nevada County COAD later in the year, ahead of wildfire season.

The takeaway

This collaborative effort to establish a Western Nevada County COAD demonstrates the power of community organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders working together to improve disaster preparedness and response. By coordinating resources and eliminating duplication, the COAD will strengthen the region's resilience in the face of emergencies.