community foundations, defined
The first community foundation was established 100 years ago. According to the Council on Foundations, there are more than 750 community foundations operating in urban and rural areas in all 50 states.
Evanston Community Foundation, established in 1986, is one of 35 member community foundations in the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations.
what is a community foundation?
A community foundation is a tax-exempt, autonomous & nonsectarian philanthropic institution supported by the public with long-terms goals of:
♦ building permanent funds for their communities, often established by donors to carry out their charitable interests;
♦ supporting the broad interests and residents of a defined geographic area; and,
♦ serving in leadership roles on important community issues
It has been said that no two community foundations are alike because the interests and issues of the many communities and regions supported by community foundations vary greatly, and methods of funding programs and operations also vary. Community foundations have independent governing boards to ensure the foundations reflect and serve the breadth and diversity of the communities they serve.
about the foundation
Founded in 1986, the Evanston Community Foundation helps Evanston thrive now and forever as a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community. It builds, connects, and distributes resources and knowledge through local organizations for the common good. The Foundation builds endowments for current and future opportunities, fosters private philanthropy, focuses the impact of collective giving, finds solutions to community challenges, allocates grants, and provides leadership training.