WHAT IS A COMMUNITY FOUNDATION?

Community foundations are nonprofit organizations established to meet the current and future needs of our local communities. We are also a trusted and valuable resource to individuals, families and their professional advisors.

There are over 750 community foundations in the United States. They make up one of the fastest growing sectors of philanthropy in the nation today. Collectively, they hold over $45 billion in assets and make local grants of almost $3 billion annually. Last year they received an estimated $4.0 billion in gifts - including real estate, closely held stock and artwork. Community foundations range in asset size from $1.7 billion to some with $100,000 or less.

When you give through your community foundation...

You receive personalized service. We work closely with you to develop a giving approach that matches your personal interests. For example, we can help you establish a charitable fund in your name and remain actively involved in recommending uses for your fund. If you prefer, we can help you give anonymously.

You gain local expertise. Our professional program staff monitors all areas of community need –including human services, education, the environment, health care, the arts, and economic development. We can help you learn more about local agencies and programs that make a difference in the areas you care about most.

You support community leadership. We bring people and organizations together, convening diverse voices to address local issues and opportunities. Our business is building community.

Community foundations serve three distinct constituencies: donors, the nonprofit sector and the community as a whole. The purposes of a community foundation are in general to:

1. Professionally manage and distribute revenues, and portions of the principal when permitted, from donors' charitable contributions and bequests in a manner consistent with donors' specific and general interests;
2. Maintain and enhance the educational, social, cultural, health, civic and environmental resources of the community through support of qualified nonprofit organizations; and
3. Through actions of the board and staff, provide philanthropic leadership and help create and promote efforts among citizens to improve the quality of life in the community.

What is the difference between a private foundation and a community foundation?

Community foundations qualify as public charities under IRS section 501(c)(3). This allows donors the maximum tax deduction for gifts and bequests. A single individual or family usually establishes a private foundation while community foundations are a pool of funds given by various donors for charitable purposes. A community foundation is what you would have if private foundations got together to pool their assets for investment purposes, reduce overhead, share staff, make grants, and address community needs.

We meet the rigorous National Standards Compliance for U.S. Community Foundations

Solano Community Foundation recently passed the rigorous National Standards Compliance for U.S. Community Foundations administered by the Council on Foundations. National Standards represent the highest measure of accountability and transparency in philanthropy. We are proud to have met such rigorous standards in donor services, investment management, grantmaking, and administration.