| Allyson Reaves The Center on Philanthropy & Civil Society International Fellows Program May 2007 This fellowship was funded by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation All Rights Reserved |
Implementing Lasting Change:
Building the Impact of Community Foundations through Programmatic Initiatives
Building the Impact of Community Foundations through Programmatic Initiatives
| Abstract: |
As both the board and staff of a community foundation influence the development of programmatic initiatives,
there are several significant components to be evaluated to ensure sustainability and lasting impact of the
initiatives. This research aspires to offer concrete information about these essential components, and it is also
intended to suggest ways in which community foundations can guide the successful development and
implementation of foundation-based programmatic initiatives.
From March to May 2007, information was compiled from community foundation program staff, philanthropic
affiliated groups, and leading practitioners. The selection of organizations and individuals consulted was based
on recommendations of leading philanthropic institutions including the Center on Philanthropy and Civil
Society and the Council on Foundations. Informational sessions were conducted by in-person interviews, e-mail
exchanges, seminar presentations, and phone calls.
This research consists of an overview of three models demonstrated by the following:
The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry
The New York Community Trust
Community Foundation of Canada
Information in this manual defines for community foundations suggested practices for preparing to approach
community-wide solutions through a proactive strategy of designing, implementing, and sustaining
programmatic initiatives.
No two community foundations are the same, and this manual does not serve as a perfect formula that every
community foundation can apply with exactness. This guide evaluates several components of programmatic
initiatives that were successful, and by sharing these practices, the manual aims to inspire sustainable and
successful programmatic initiatives.
there are several significant components to be evaluated to ensure sustainability and lasting impact of the
initiatives. This research aspires to offer concrete information about these essential components, and it is also
intended to suggest ways in which community foundations can guide the successful development and
implementation of foundation-based programmatic initiatives.
From March to May 2007, information was compiled from community foundation program staff, philanthropic
affiliated groups, and leading practitioners. The selection of organizations and individuals consulted was based
on recommendations of leading philanthropic institutions including the Center on Philanthropy and Civil
Society and the Council on Foundations. Informational sessions were conducted by in-person interviews, e-mail
exchanges, seminar presentations, and phone calls.
This research consists of an overview of three models demonstrated by the following:
The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry
The New York Community Trust
Community Foundation of Canada
Information in this manual defines for community foundations suggested practices for preparing to approach
community-wide solutions through a proactive strategy of designing, implementing, and sustaining
programmatic initiatives.
No two community foundations are the same, and this manual does not serve as a perfect formula that every
community foundation can apply with exactness. This guide evaluates several components of programmatic
initiatives that were successful, and by sharing these practices, the manual aims to inspire sustainable and
successful programmatic initiatives.
