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OUR HISTORY

Founded in 1961, York County Community Foundation is a charitable endowment for York County, built with gifts from donors who recognize the Community Foundation's unique capabilities as a partner for philanthropy and a powerful force for positive change in the community.

Creative and thoughtful philanthropy is at the heart of the Community Foundation mission. In our first 30 years, however, the Community Foundation was really a modest grantmaker; for example, in 1991 our assets were under $1 million and we distributed just $65,000 in grant awards.

1992: Community Foundation launches Revitalization Initiative to support expansion of services - to donors, nonprofit organizations and the community, with a goal of raising $5 million in permanent endowment by 1997.

The success of the Revitalization Initiative was due in large part to the vision of Bill and Cornie Wolf and the day-day commitment of Carolyn Steinhauser and Eugene Struckhoff, an experienced community foundation leader who served as a consultant. The successful $1.8 million infusion of resources provided support for start-up and ongoing operations during a five-year period, as well as initial capital for an operating endowment.

1995: $5 million endowment goal attained.

Once again, community leaders and board leadership, led by Bill Anstine and Bill Zimmerman, chart dramatic growth in assets as Foundation "takes off".

1997: $10 million

1998: $18 million by year-end 1998.

2000: Community Foundation launches Growth Initiative with the goal of reaching $60 million in assets by 2007.

Led by board member, Tony Campisi, and executive director Dick Brown, Foundation reaches toward goal of self-sufficiency.

2004: Foundation establishes 32 new community funds.

2006: Record year for community: $13 million in gifts and $8 million in grants.

2007: $60 million endowment goal attained; Foundation unveils five-year plan for strategic growth, investment and impact in the greater York County community.

Our leadership team comprised of Chairman David Meckley and Vice Chair Anne Kinsley, along with board members and community volunteers lays out ambitious plan for growth, investment and impact across the County, reaching out to all corners of the community, and developing relationships with a broad range of people. All the while, advancing and celebrating philanthropy for generations to come!