What Is A Community Foundation? Community foundations are independent philanthropic organizations working in specific geographic areas which, over time, build permanent collections of endowed funds contributed from many donors. With nearly 700 community foundations nationwide holding roughly $35 billion in assets, they make up one of the fastest growing sectors of philanthropy in the U.S. today.
In 2003, community foundations awarded $2.6 billion in grants and received $3.8 billion in gifts.
Any individual can contribute any amount of money to a community foundation. The Foundation then invests the gifts for growth and income and uses the generated income to make grants that will strengthen the community.
What Is the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona? The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona is the community foundation serving Pima and Santa Cruz counties. It is made up of more than 475 funds representing individuals, families, organizations and corporations.
The Foundation's assets total more than $99 million and as one of the region's largest grantmaking organizations, in fiscal 2005-2006, we distributed more than $8 million to nonprofit and charitable organizations. Since our inception in 1980, we’ve granted more than $83 million and rank in the top 10 percent of foundations nationwide.
