Sharing Our Philanthropic Framework
In 2008 The Community Foundation postponed our competitive grantmaking programs (Common Good Funds, Neighborhood Fund, Arts Fund, AIDS Fund) to dedicate time to learn how we can have a greater impact on the communities in the 23 county region. We surveyed donors, nonprofits and next generation leaders to learn more about how we connect best with them. We held 20 Community Conversations with small focus groups gaining honest feedback about our work. We participated in training and conferences focused on evaluation methods, regional service, Atlanta’s deep history, technology solutions, project management and more. We researched promising practices by leaders in our field. And we ensured diverse experiences and outlooks through cross-departmental teams and full staff retreats.
From all of this The Community Foundation has created our Philanthropic Framework to strengthen our ability to have a greater impact on communities in our region. By connecting donors, nonprofits, community leaders and others, we will continue to address community needs through philanthropy.
Click here to see a presentation on our Philanthropic Framework.
The four key goals of our Philanthropic Framework are:
Goal 1: Engage our community.
As philanthropists, people invest resources—financial, human and intellectual—individually and collectively to improve the well-being of our region. Philanthropists are informed and passionate about the issues affecting our community and the institutions addressing those issues.
Goal 2: Strengthen the region’s nonprofits.
A strong nonprofit region is a collaborative one made up of organizations that effectively manage operations and high-performing programs based on community need. This requires knowledgeable and capable staff, strong leadership, value for innovation, a clear vision and a plan.
Goal 3: Advance public will.
Individuals and institutions in the Atlanta region understand that the well-being of each community member is connected to that of every other. Community members address critical issues through accessible and collaborative debate, discussion, informed decision-making and targeted advocacy focused on public policy.
Goals 4: Practice organizational excellence.
The Community Foundation must build internal strength to have external community impact. This includes a financial focus on growing a long-term charitable resource for the region as well as a staff and Board focus on supporting a diverse work environment that encourages learning, leadership and transparency.