What are community foundations?

Community foundations are tax-exempt public charities serving thousands of people who share a common interest—improving the quality of life in their area.

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 identifying their community's needs.

Community foundations:

• know their communities
• share your interests
• care about the future
• offer giving vehicles that are easy to set up and manage and that provide tax benefits

Why invest in a community foundation?

There are many reasons to invest in your local community foundation. Community foundations go beyond simply making grants that advance charitable activities. They also identify current and emerging issues, channel resources to address their communities’ needs, and help their regions prepare for the future.