Community foundations ensure charitable giving makes a lasting impact on local causes that the donor cares about most. They create a powerful community spirit by bringing together all types of people to tackle important social issues in their area.
They manage funds donated by individuals and organisations, build endowments, and match donors’ giving criteria to local needs, enabling them to achieve their full philanthropic potential. Each community foundation is unique and develops information on local priorities – including community development, children and young people and disability.
Community foundations use their expertise to ensure that money invested in local organisations makes the lasting difference donors want and expect, by providing meaningful feedback and evaluation. Importantly, they are independent and cause-neutral, providing expert advice and thorough local knowledge.
Although a concept established in the United States in 1914, community foundations now span over 50 countries. The UK network currently has around 60 foundations.
UK community foundations held about £151 million in endowment at March 2009. In addition, they are expecting a further £49.5 million in pledges and legacies, making a total of over £200 million.
For more information about community foundations across the UK visit:
www.communityfoundations.org.uk
The North East region has three other community foundations. Click on the links to visit their websites:
Community foundation serving Tyne & Wear and Northumberland
Cumbria Communtiy Foundation
Tees Valley Community Foundation
For details of international community foundations visit:
WINGS-CF
Made up of organisations developing and supporting community foundations around the world.
www.wingsweb.org
Transatlantic Community Foundation Network (TCFN)
TCFN was created in 1999 to promote the development of community foundations on both sides of the Atlantic.
www.tcfn-cfc.ca/
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