ABSTRACT

Community foundations bring together the resources of individuals, families, and businesses to support effective nonprofits in their communities. Over the years, foundations have come to engage community problem-solving through more than just grant-making. They have added a rich array of other activities, including programs of community capacity building, active modes of advocacy, and centres for meeting. In 2011, the 700+ institutions in the United States gave an estimated $4.2 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 origins of this book stem from conversations among the leadership of community foundations about the challenges they must overcome in order to make such "foundational" contributions to their communities. As community foundations enter the second century of their existence (the first foundation was formed in Cleveland in 1914), the need for knowledge and best practices has never been greater. This book, with expert authors representing the best and the brightest in this important field, fills that need.

chapter 1|23 pages

The Second Century

Community Foundations as Foundations of Community

part I|66 pages

Facing a Limitless Future: Can Foundations Adapt?

chapter 2|14 pages

A Mandate to Innovate

chapter 4|9 pages

Designing for What's Next

chapter 6|8 pages

Future Shock

The Case for Endowment

part II|61 pages

Connecting Community and Prosperity

part III|61 pages

Community (and Change) Comes in All Shapes and Sizes

chapter 12|14 pages

Growing Your Own

Stories About Mobilizing Philanthropic Leaders in Small Cities and Rural Communities

chapter 14|13 pages

What Is the Appropriate Role of Today's Community Foundation?

Our Conclusion: Take on the Tough Issues, Create Public Space, Democratize Philanthropy, and Lead

chapter 16|11 pages

Gulf Coast Community Foundation

From Conversion to Transformation

part IV|55 pages

The Risks and Rewards of Strong Leadership

chapter 17|12 pages

An Emerging Civic Leadership Model

A Community Foundation's Distinctive Value Proposition

chapter 18|15 pages

The Courage to Lead

Worth the Risk?

chapter 19|10 pages

From Hula-Hoops to Trusted Philanthropic Advisor

An Innovative Pathway of Public Value

part V|5 pages

Conclusion

chapter 21|3 pages

Into the Second Century