The Newport Beach Foundation

What does it take to transform a resident into a civic leader? For nearly 400 Newport Beach professionals, the answer has been five Wednesday evenings, a crash course in city operations and a network of like-minded neighbors ready to make a difference.

The Newport Beach Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has quietly become one of the most influential pipelines for community involvement in the city. Through its flagship Distinguished Citizen Program (DCP), the Foundation has cultivated a generation of engaged residents, many of whom now serve on city commissions, nonprofit boards and even the City Council itself.

"The goal from day one was to create informed, engaged citizens," explains Joe Stapleton, a founding board member and former Mayor of Newport Beach. "We wanted people who understood how the city works, not just complaining from the sidelines, but actually getting involved."

The Foundation was originally established in 2013 but was relaunched in 2017 with a renewed focus. Stapleton, along with fellow founding board members Antonella Castro, Lauren Kleiman and Jake Janz, set out to build something that would outlast any single administration or initiative. Kleiman, now serving as Newport Beach's current Mayor, helped launch the Foundation's Parent Education Series and championed its mission to ignite the next generation of community leadership.

The Program

The Distinguished Citizen Program runs twice annually, in May and October, with classes meeting every Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 8:00 PM. Each cohort welcomes approximately 25 participants, carefully selected from roughly 100 applicants. The modest $150 fee covers weekly dinners and program materials.

Over five weeks, participants receive an immersive education in Newport Beach governance. They tour City Hall, meet with department heads, visit fire stations and learn the intricacies of everything from harbor operations to public safety. The program culminates with graduation ceremonies where each participant receives the designation of "Distinguished Citizen."

The results speak for themselves. DCP graduates now serving on the City Council include Stapleton, Robyn Grant, Michelle Barto, and Sara Weber. Add Mayor Kleiman's role as a founding board member, and five of seven council members have direct ties to the Foundation. More than 70 DCP alumni have been appointed to city boards and commissions.

"The Newport Beach Foundation has become a gold standard," says current Foundation Chair Antonella Castro. The organization's reputation for follow-through and meaningful impact has made it a catalyst for civic engagement. Graduates don't just complete the program; they go on to build networks, launch initiatives, and find their own ways to give back.

A Story of Transformation

For recent graduate Martin Warren, the Foundation offered something even more profound: a path forward after unimaginable loss. In May 2023, Martin's wife, Teresa, passed away suddenly from a heart attack at just 46 years old. Martin and his son James were with her when it happened, and the Newport Beach first responders who arrived that day left an indelible impression.

"You could see it in their eyes, they truly tried," Martin recalls. "The community rallied around us in ways I never expected. People I didn't even know were dropping off food at my house. I've never seen anything like it."

When friend and fellow cyclist Joe Stapleton encouraged him to join the DCP, Martin saw it as his opportunity to give back to the community that had carried him through his darkest days. He went on to receive the Distinguished Citizen Award for his graduating class

"Once I learned about all the civic leaders and their passion for Newport Beach, I was blown away," Martin shares. "Even in a city of 85,000 people, their commitment to our community, their love for our community, everyone has the same passion. James and I are here to stay. This is our family now."

Beyond the Classroom

The Foundation's impact extends well beyond the Distinguished Citizen Program. Each year, the organization awards scholarships to graduating seniors from Corona del Mar and Newport Harbor High Schools—$2,500 for students who embody leadership, service and integrity. Recipients also earn a coveted spot in the following spring's DCP class, ensuring the next generation understands civic engagement before they even leave for college.

The Foundation also hosts the beloved Mayor's Party each December, celebrating the incoming mayor and bringing together community leaders. Throughout the year, alumni events keep graduates connected, fostering the relationships that often lead to new initiatives and collaborations.

Perhaps most importantly, the Foundation has become a launching pad for other community organizations. Brian Bowis, a DCP graduate, went on to found the Newport Beach Fire Department Foundation after being inspired by his experience in the program. Other graduates have started young professional groups and affinity organizations, all tracing their roots back to those five transformative Wednesday evenings.

Get Involved

The spring 2025 Distinguished Citizen Program application deadline is March 15. Applicants must live or work in Newport Beach and commit to attending all five Wednesday sessions in May.

For high school seniors interested in the scholarship program, applications are also due March 15. Information about both programs, along with application materials, can be found at NB-Foundation.org or by following @NewportBeachFoundation on Instagram.

"This city gives you so much," reflects Martin Warren. "The Distinguished Citizen Program shows you how to give something back."

For more information, visit NB-Foundation.org