Community foundations are tax-exempt public charities serving thousands of people who share a common concern-improving the quality of life in their area. In its general charitable purposes, a community foundation is much like a private foundation; its funds, however, are derived from many donors rather than a single source, as is usually the case with private foundations.
In a community foundation, individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help their region meet the challenges of changing times. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.
All community foundations are overseen by a volunteer board of leading citizens and run by professionals with expertise in knowing their community's needs.
We do more than simply making grants that advance charitable activities: We also identify current and emerging issues, stimulate resources to address those needs and help our region prepare for the future.
Community foundations serve a long-term purpose as a primary community resource.
Community foundations:
• Help donors balance charitable giving objectives and tax benefits • Understand issues critical to their communities • Ease administration • Care about the future of their community
