Community Foundations

Community foundations are grantmaking public charities that are dedicated to improving the lives of people in a defined local geographic area. They bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses to support effective nonprofits in their communities. Community foundations vary widely in asset size, ranging from less than $100,000 to more than $1.7 billion.

Community foundations play a key role in identifying and solving community problems. In 2017, they gave an estimated $5.48 billion to a variety of nonprofit activities in fields that included the arts and education, health and human services, the environment, and disaster relief. The Community Foundations National Standards Board confirms operational excellence in six key areas—mission, structure, and governance; resource development; stewardship and accountability; grantmaking and community leadership; donor relations; and communications. Foundations that comply with these standards can display the official National Standards Seal. Currently, over 500 community foundations have earned the seal.

More than 900 community foundations operate in urban and rural areas in every state in the United States; currently, approximately 350 are members of the Council on Foundations. The community foundation model also has taken hold around the world. Community foundations have participated in the growth of international giving by U.S. foundations in recent years, with international giving by community foundations more than tripling, from $103 million in 2011 to $315 million in 2015, and community foundations' share of overall international giving by U.S. foundations more than doubling, from 1.4 percent in 2011 to 3.4 percent in 2015.

You can use our Community Foundation Locator to view a list of community foundations in the United States.

Below is everything on our site for community foundations. We highly recommend that you use the navigation or our search feature to find what you're looking for on our site. Please also visit cof.org/community-foundations for curated community foundation content. 

Washington Snapshot - November 6, 2015

Community Foundation Week Starts Next Thursday Next Thursday, November 12th marks the beginning of Community Foundation week! CF week has been celebrated every November 12th-18th since 1989 to raise awareness of the critical role of community philanthropy in supporting thriving communities across…

No Solicitation Policy

The Council on Foundations maintains a no-solicitation policy covering all of its conferences, meetings, webinars and other events. In order to provide a distraction-free environment for our members and other attendees, we do not allow solicitation of any kind during any event, including asking for…

Telling Your Story in Your Community

Whether you're interacting with the media or marketing to members of your local community, these tools and resources can help shape your messages and demonstrate your value. Community Foundation Week- Every year the Council creates a toolkit for community foundations to use in promoting their…

Community Foundation Events

Telling Your Story

Community foundations' individual success stories can help to demonstrate the philanthropic sector’s impact as a whole, as well as the specific, innovative, real-life solutions you are using every day. Showcasing these achievements while highlighting the unique role fulfilled by community…

2016 Annual Conference - Preconference Programming

Preconference Programming Separate registration is required for all of these events. Space is limited. Register now!

Baltimore Site Session

Baltimore Site Session Baltimore is a much-discussed city impacted by many myths. This immersive site session is intended to help participants understand key aspects of a vibrant city’s philanthropic and civic life. The programming will focus on the ecosystem of factors impacting the long-term…

Impact Investing: The Essentials

Impact Investing: The Essentials For decades, foundations have made impact investments to complement grants, partnerships, advocacy, and other tools in the philanthropic toolbox. But how do you start your foundation down a path to use this emerging tactic? Incorporating impact investing into your…

Center for Community Foundation Excellence (CCFE) Fundamentals Course

Center for Community Foundations Execellence (CCFE) Fundamentals Course This event is sold out. A well-trained staff and an informed board are critical to the success of community foundations in our fast-changing world. This two-day course helps new and experienced foundation stakeholders build the…

Rural Philanthropy Preconference: Advancing Rural Communities' Economic Success

Rural Philanthropy: Advancing Rural Communities' Economic Success This peer-learning program will explore how a wide range of foundations are playing effective roles in improving economic outcomes and prospects for rural communities and regions. The session will be co-designed and co-facilitated by…

Webinar Recording: An Update on the Reauthorization of the Healthy and Hunger Free Kids Act

Download the Presentation Slides The Healthy, Hunger-Free Act of 2010 authorizes funding for federal nutrition programs including: the national school lunch and breakfast program; the nutrition program for women, infants, and children; and other child and adult food care programs. This…

Washington Snapshot - October 30, 2015

News from the Hill Ryan is Elected Speaker of the House Yesterday afternoon, Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI-1) was elected as the next Speaker of the House. This marks the conclusion of a month-long process for the GOP to select a viable candidate for this position. With Ryan’s ascension to…

2016 Annual Conference - Registration

Registration Online registration is now closed. If you would still like to register for the conference, please fill out the paper registration form and bring it to the registration desk on the Terrace Level of the Washington Hilton. Registration Hours Friday, April 8 - 4:00-6:00 p.m. Saturday…

Policy Preview: The State of Play of Immigration Reform in Congress (and in the States!)

Members, Access the Recording and Slides     Immigration reform is a hot topic on the national scene as the 2016 presidential election looms. While no consensus legislation has emerged on Capitol Hill to date, our guests discussed how funders can play a role in educating federal, State…

2016 Annual Conference Schedule of Events

Schedule-At-A-Glance Understand the Learning Arc of the Conference Friday, April 8 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Center for Community Foundation Excellence Fundamentals Course Saturday, April 9 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Center for Community Foundation Excellence Fundamentals…

2016 Annual Conference - Hotel & Travel Information

Hotel & Travel All conference sessions and activities will take place at The Washington Hilton unless otherwise noted. The Washington Hilton 1919 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 483-3000 The special conference rates for The Washington Hilton were guaranteed until March 17,…
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