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WHAT IS A COMMUNITY FOUNDATION?

A community foundation can be defined simply as a grantmaking public charity dedicated to improving the lives of people in a defined local geographic. Increasingly, however, larger community foundations are funding global initiatives, in addition to programs in their geographic region.

WHAT IS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WEEK?

Community Foundation Week, created in 1989 by former President George H.W. Bush, recognizes the important work of community foundations throughout America and their collaborative and innovative approach to working with the public, private, and nonprofit sector. Community Foundation Week is November 12-18.

FACTS ABOUT COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS

  • The first community foundation was created in 1914 in Cleveland, Ohio, and operates now as the Cleveland Foundation.

  • Community foundations play a key role in identifying and solving community problems. Currently, more than 900 community foundations operate in urban and rural areas in every state in the United States.

  • Every continent but Antarctica has a community foundation. It’s estimated that there are at least 1,200 community foundations outside of the United States and Canada.

  • Every continent but Antarctica has a community foundation. It’s estimated that there are at least 1,200 community foundations outside of the United States and Canada.

  • Nearly every type of gift, from cash to real estate, stock, and other assets, can be donated to a community foundation.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS “DID YOU KNOW”

  • Community foundations play a key role in creating more just and equitable communities. This includes establishing and supporting grantmaking, advocacy and special initiatives designed to address inequities and increase opportunities for marginalized populations to thrive and reach their full potential.

  • Beyond grantmaking, community foundations also play important roles as community leaders with deep local relationships, knowledge of local challenges and opportunities, and the ability to advocate for policies that improve the quality of life in their communities.



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