What is a Community Foundation?
A Community Foundation is a truly remarkable institution. Consistent with the Democratic principles of our nation, the Community Foundation is created by the people, for the people. Foundations work because they provide a forum for citizens from all walks of life to define what they value in their community. Through support of community-focused individuals, Foundations are able to fulfill community needs, support successful programs, and give wings to innovative ideas.
A gift to the Community Foundation sets an extraordinary process in motion. When a foundation’s endowment grows, its income increases, and the amount of money available for granting multiplies, leading to more good work for the community. The principal amount of the donor’s gift remains untouched, so that it may continue to touch lives indefinitely. A single gift can give forever; donors who gave in the early part of this century are still active in philanthropy today through their long-ago generosity. Their voices continue to be heard, and their hands continue to shape the future.
Community Foundations represent solidity, permanence, and trust. They reinforce the best in us, and provide, literally, the foundation for the positive aspirations of our communities.
