$8,810 raised by 71 donors
35% complete
$25,000 Goal
Olivia was joy in human form. She loved life and everyone in it, always going out of her way to brighten someone’s day. She wrote thoughtful notes, cared deeply for others, and radiated love through her playful, spunky spirit. Olivia adored rainbows, unicorns, and mermaids just as much as she loved wrestling with her brother or playing tackle football with her dad. She was a burst of sunshine who left an unforgettable mark on everyone she met.
On January 17, 2022, our world shattered. The words no parent should ever hear: “Your daughter has leukemia.” Olivia’s case was extremely rare—the doctors said, “She’s the 1%.” Three days later, cancer took her from us. It was swift, brutal, and utterly merciless.
The void Olivia left behind was suffocating. It felt impossible to move forward, to breathe, to comprehend life without her. The grief was consuming, a darkness we couldn’t escape. But even in our deepest despair, Olivia’s love began to shine through. We found notes tucked away in her room, messages of love and encouragement she’d written to lift us up. We uncovered text messages, videos, and memories that reminded us of who she was and what she stood for—love, laughter, and hope.
Olivia’s light was too strong, too bright to be extinguished. We knew her impact couldn’t end with her passing. From the deepest love and loss, the Olivia Chan Foundation (OCF) was born.
OCF is a tribute to Olivia’s vibrant spirit and a source of hope for families navigating the isolating journey of grief. After losing Olivia, we struggled to find resources that truly addressed our needs. Waitlists were long, and programs had limited timelines, making it difficult to find consistent support.
What we needed most was connection—a community that understood the daily pain of living with a piece of your heart missing. We discovered how messy, isolating, and deeply personal grief can be. Searching for resources to process our loss, we found a heartbreaking reality—Sacramento lacked the grief support our family desperately needed. We knew something had to change. That's why we created OCF, with a bold vision: to open a grief center modeled after the renowned Dougy Center in Portland— a safe, welcoming space where grieving children and families find healing, community and hope.
OCF's mission is to provide a supportive community where children, teens, and families can grieve in meaningful and safe ways. Grief doesn’t have to be lonely or look a certain way. At OCF, we offer peer support groups, creative activities, and a compassionate space where participants can honor their loved ones, express emotions, and rediscover moments of joy.
Through OCF, we have met countless families who, like us, have faced unimaginable loss. While the pain never goes away, there is comfort in knowing that we are not alone and that we can help one another. We offer peer support groups and activities designed to help children and teens express their emotions in ways that feel natural, meaningful ways—through art, music, play, and connection with others who understand.
We provide a safe, welcoming space where grief isn't confined to a timeline and it doesn't have to be faced alone. There’s no “right” way to grieve, and our community allows families to process their loss together in their own time.
Grief doesn’t come with a manual, and it doesn’t follow a linear path. But Olivia’s light reminds us that even in the darkest times, joy can still be found. Through OCF, we honor her legacy by helping others rediscover hope and find a way forward to healing.
If you or someone you know is grieving, please know you don't have to face this alone. At OCF, you'll find a compassionate community that understands your pain, honors your journey, and walks beside you. Visit our website to learn more, find support, or join us in carrying Olivia's light forward.
The mission of the Olivia Chan Foundation is to provide grief support in a safe place where children, teens, young adults and their families can share their experiences through peer facilitated activities in hopes that one day they can rediscover moments of happiness.
We’re raising funds to establish a permanent facility for our grief support services, with a goal of $25,000. Here’s how the funds will be used:
1. Training and Professional Development – $7,000
- Grief training for board members and volunteers. Attend grief symposiums with the National Alliance Childrens Grief (NACG) to stay updated on best practices and research. Building a network with grief support professionals to enhance our services.
2. Program & Service Costs – $4,200
- Grief support materials (books, journals, art supplies): $2,000
-Activity supplies (baking, gardening, music, and play):$1,500
-School-based grief support programs $500
-Snacks/meals $200 (12 participants)
3. Administrative Costs – $1,000
- Background checks for volunteers. General and professional liability insurance. Legal and licensing fees.
4. Marketing, Fundraising & Outreach – $3,000
- Website, maintenance and updates: $1,000
- Printing materials for events (brochures, flyers):$500
- Community events $1,500
5. Technology & Administration - $1,500
- IT support & budget software: $900
- Office supplies (paper, ink): $400
- Legal and compliance cost: $200
6. Fundraising & Development - $8,300
- Grant writing and application fees: $500
- Donor appreciation and stewardship: $800
- Fundraising event expenses: $7,000
This funding will help us provide a safe, supportive environment where children and families can find healing and community as they navigate grief.
At the Olivia Chan Foundation, we believe that everyone deserves access to meaningful grief support, regardless of financial status, background, or identity. Traditional grief resources often present barriers—whether financial, cultural, or logistical—that can prevent individuals from receiving the care they need.
To break down these barriers, all of our programs are offered free of charge, ensuring that support is accessible to everyone who needs it. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable environment where all individuals feel welcomed, valued, and supported. Our programs are designed to serve diverse communities and honor the unique journeys of grief each person experiences.
At OCF, we treat everyone with respect, compassion, and understanding, ensuring that every person who walks through our doors knows they are not alone and that healing is possible. Together, we build a space where no one is left behind, and everyone has the opportunity to find hope and connection.
Organization name
Olivia Chan Foundation
2023
Tax id (EIN)
92-1883489
Mission Category
Human Services
Operating Budget
$0-$50,000
Organization Need
Space: Office or Other, Funding: Program, Funding: Unrestricted
Demographics Served
Youth & Children
BIPOC Leadership
Both the Executive Director & Board Chair
Local Counties Served
Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Yolo
Address
7030 WAVECREST WAYSacramento, CA, US