The major goal for The Mayor’s Fund for Las Vegas LIFE: supporting programs the city cannot subsidize exclusively. And in a time where financial backing may change for non-profits around Las Vegas, organizers say the work The Mayor’s Fund does is valuable to the community. 

Former City of Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman started The Mayor’s Fund for Las Vegas LIFE in 2017 as a vehicle to help the city ease some budget gaps, modeling it off a similar program in Philadelphia. As a 501 (c)(3), it can receive cash, in-kind, and philanthropic donations from businesses, foundations, and individuals interested in investing in programs that improve residents’ quality of life.

"We like to work very holistically," Mayor’s Fund for Las Vegas LIFE CEO Sallie Doebler explained on Nevada Week. 

"The city has a vast array of different initiatives, programs that they execute very, very well, so we’re almost like matchmakers. We take what’s important to our donors, and we match it up with what our city really needs to do and can execute well."

"We take what’s important to our donors, and we match it up 

with what our city really needs to do and can execute well." 

- Sallie Doebler

CEO, Mayor’s Fund for Las Vegas LIFE

Doebler also shared recent accomplishments with Nevada Week, including the work done to access and donate used computers to students and seniors who may not have a digital connection.  

She also discussed upgrades to the Courtyard Homeless Resource Center, which connects unhoused people with housing, mental health services, employment opportunities, etc. And one unique part of this: The Mayor’s Fund makes significant efforts to keep unhoused clients and their pets together. 

"As we know, homeless folks, sometimes the only companionship they have is that animal. And they won’t leave that animal on the street, if that means that is what they would have to do to get resources."

Another featured project: collaborating with the Vegas Golden Knights to create girls’ hockey clinics and camps. The Mayor’s Fund is looking to create similar programs for children in other sports. 

Doebler stressed that politics are not involved with the Mayor’s Fund.

"The reality is, no matter who the mayor is, there are kids that need help. There are still people that are homeless. So we’re not focused on the political, we’re very apolitical with all that. We’re focused on making sure we help people."

With newly-elected City of Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley at the helm, Doebler assures the Mayor’s Fund remains a strong presence in the city. 

"We do know the mayor is going to be very, very supportive of the Mayor’s Fund because she is deeply committed to making sure we are doing everything we can to benefit the residents."