Grantmaking

The Community Foundation makes both competitive and non-competitive grants.

Competitive grants are made through the Foundation's various grantmaking initiatives and fields of interest. They are awarded on the basis of merit and compatibility with the goals of the foundation. Most require formal application.

Non-competitive grants are made at the recommendation of various fund advisors, or may be negotiated based on the grantmaking initiatives of the Foundation.

Current grantmaking initiatives are:

• Art Ventures Initiative
• Nonprofit Capacity Building Initiative
• Community Theater Initiative
• Early Childhood Initiative
• Education Initiative
• Seniors Initiative
• Women and Philanthropy Initiative
• Other Initiatives

Grantmaking Principles

In all of its grantmaking, the Foundation seeks to adhere to the following principles

• Recognize and build on strengths and assets rather than needs and deficiencies.
• Improve the ability of organizations and individuals to help themselves over the long term.
• Foster cooperative approaches to community issues based on shared visions and mutual responsibility.
• Include people you propose to serve in the process of planning, implementation and evaluation.
• Recognize and strengthen local leadership.
• Anticipate and take a preventive approach to emerging community issues.
• Serve as a catalyst for attracting other funding resources.
• Create innovative approaches to dealing with long-standing issues.
• Build a stronger sense of community.