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WHAT IS A COMMUNITY FOUNDATION?

Community foundations make up one of the fastest growing sectors of philanthropy in the United States today. Community Foundations build and strengthen communities by making it possible for a wide range of donors to participate in creating permanent charitable funds to meet present and future needs.

The Council on Foundations in Washington D.C., a professional association of the nation's key funders, has outlined these six characteristics that define a community foundation:

1.	A flexible, yet permanent collection of funds supported by a wide range of donors.
2.	The relative independence to determine the best use of those funds to meet the community needs.
3.	A governing board of volunteers, knowledgeable of their community and recognized for their personal involvement in civic affairs.
4.	A commitment to provide leadership on pervasive community problems.
5.	A commitment to assist donors to identify and attain their philanthropic goals.
6.	Adherence to a sense of "community" that overrides individual interests and objectives.