What is a Community Foundation?
At the Community Foundation Serving Howard, Clinton, and Carroll Counties, we often get asked about our role in the community. Let's dive into what a community foundation is and how we serve our tri-county area.
The Basics
A community foundation is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in a specific geographic area. We act as a catalyst for positive change by pooling donations from individuals, families, and businesses to support local students and charitable causes.
Our Mission
Here at the Community Foundation Serving Howard, Clinton, and Carroll Counties, our mission is to be stewards helping donors make our communities a better place to live every day. We began serving Howard County in 1991, Clinton County in 1996, and Carroll County in 1997. We work tirelessly to address the unique needs of Howard, Clinton, and Carroll Counties.
How We Work
Community Foundations like ours operate on three main pillars:
Asset Development: We build and manage permanent endowment funds that generate income for community grants.
Grantmaking: We distribute grants to local nonprofits and initiatives that address community needs, in addition we also distribute scholarships to local deserving students.
Community Leadership: We collaborate with local partners to identify and address pressing issues in our area.
Our Impact
In 2024, we awarded over $4.5 million in grants and scholarships across our three counties. These funds supported a wide range of causes, from education and healthcare to arts and culture.
The Bigger Picture
Nationally, there are over 750 community foundations in the United States. Together, we form a network of local philanthropy that contributes billions of dollars annually to improve communities across the country.
Why Choose a Community Foundation?
Local Expertise: We strive to have a deep knowledge of our community's needs and opportunities.
Flexibility: Donors can create personalized funds to support their charitable interests. We work with donors to establish the exact type of fund that will serve the community in the way the donor wishes.
Permanence: Endowment funds ensure long-term support for our community.
Efficiency: We handle all administrative and legal aspects of charitable giving.
Whether you're looking to make a difference in Howard, Clinton, or Carroll County, or you're simply curious about local philanthropy, we're here to help. Visit at cfhoward.org, cfclinton.org, or cfcarroll.org to learn more about how you can get involved and make a lasting impact in our community.