What is a Community Foundation?

A private foundation's financial base most likely comes from a single donor or family, or a company. However, the Community Foundation is supported by the public, with donations large and small. It grows because individuals, corporations and other nonprofits believe in it and add to its growth year after year.

The Community Foundation board is made up of Jefferson County residents. Unlike private foundations, whose board members might come from all over the country, often serve for life and may be compensated, the Community Foundation's board members serve a limit of two three-year terms and are unpaid volunteers.

The Community Foundation is also unlike other charities that focus on specific areas such as historic preservation or poverty, or have specific interests such as the elderly or music. Grants from the Foundation's endowments are given to area charities to support a wide variety of programs and projects. The Community Foundation looks to the well-being of the total Jefferson County community, not just one part of it.