Max Rossi Memorial Endowment Fund

Max Rossi is a Solano County, and Solano Community Foundation, legend.
He's truly at the heart of the Live Solano Give Solano theme.

Continuing a Legacy of Community Leadership

Max Rossi understood that strong communities are built through local investment and collective action.  As a civic leader and community representative for former Congressman Vic Fazio, he welcomed distinguished guests including former Governor Jerry Brown and Assemblyman Tom Hannigan.  While serving as assistant county tax assessor for Solano County, Max recognized an opportunity to create lasting change in his community.

Max was instrumental in establishing the Solano Community Foundation as one of its eleven founding members.  His vision was clear: keep charitable dollars local to address local needs.  As his wife Nancy explained, "He started the Foundation because he saw a real need for it in Solano County.  Money that could help people was leaving the county.  He really stressed the importance of keeping the money local and the need to help each other."

Building Something Lasting

In February 1995, Max became the first elected Chairman of the SCF Board of Directors. Under his leadership, the Foundation received its 501(c)(3) determination in March 1996 and began active fundraising.  Through Max's dedication and vision, SCF assets grew from $20,000 in 1997 to $1.8 million in 2002.

Max also served as Board Chair of the NorthBay Healthcare Foundation, where his commitment to improving healthcare services for seniors helped fund NorthBay Healthcare's Alzheimer's Day Care program.

A Life Well-Lived

Max and Nancy Rossi shared nearly 50 years of marriage, traveling to 156 countries together and planning many more adventures.  ax passed away at age 73, just five months before their 50th wedding anniversary. "He was the love of my life," Nancy shared. "He loved dancing, jazz music, and seeing the world."

Max approached giving with humility and joy.  "He was very private about his donations and charitable giving," Nancy remembers. "He always felt that when you give, you feel blessed. It feels good."

The Legacy Continues

Today, the Max Rossi Memorial Endowment Fund ensures his commitment to community support lives on.  Nancy Rossi continues this mission with a special focus on children's programs and supporting families in need. "I enjoy helping people in need, particularly children.  There are so many single parents who need our help, and having a charitable fund is something the community can benefit from," she says. "It's money going toward something I care deeply about."

The Fund represents Max's enduring belief that communities thrive when neighbors help neighbors, ensuring his vision of local philanthropy continues to strengthen Solano County for generations to come.