How Does the Community Foundation Work?

The Community Foundation provides donors with an easy and convenient way to give back to our community with joy and impact. The generosity of donors make it possible for the Community Foundation to make grants to nonprofit organizations in support their efforts to strengthen our community and to award scholarships to area students. From time to time, we initiate programs when it appears that leadership is required to focus attention on important community issues. We also partner with local corporations, foundations and governmental entities to address specific needs in a spirit of collaboration and efficiency.

When a donor makes a gift to establish a fund with the Community Foundation, those assets become part of our pooled funds. These funds are invested on a "total return" basis, which combines capital appreciation and earned income, and are managed by professional private investment managers. To ensure that the Community Foundation's portfolio is managed effectively, the Foundation retains an independent investment firm, Brown Brothers Harriman (est. 1818) whose role is to advise the Investment Committee on asset allocation strategies and appropriate benchmarks. The Foundation's investment activities are ultimately guided by the Community Foundation Board of Trustees, its Investment Policy and its  Spending Policy. 

The Spending Policy (currently 4-6%) determines the amount available for distribution from each fund. These "spendable" amounts make up the grants and scholarships made each year. The community foundation seeks to leverage opportunities in the region where a moderate amount of grant money can achieve a significant result. We look for proposals from organizations with a well-planned approach to issues and needs, with a demonstrated base of support, committed leadership, and the involvement of individuals with the skills necessary to carry out the work.

The Foundation's grants are generally not large enough to support any enterprise completely. We use our finite resources either to enable nonprofit organizations to explore new undertakings or to find improved means of fulfilling ongoing projects. The Foundation looks for projects where a grant will have both an immediate and lasting effect. We emphasize programmatic rather than continuing operating support. We seek high impact/low cost solutions.