A community foundation is a tax-exempt public charity created by and for the people in a specific geographic area. It enables people with philanthropic interests to easily and effectively support the issues they care about — immediately or through their estate plans. Donors may give to existing funds or establish a charitable fund at the Foundation by contributing a variety of assets. Community endowment funds, allow gifts to grow and be leveraged with other gifts, allowing the Foundation to make larger grants with greater impact. Donors may also recommend grants through their own fund to charitable, 501c(3) organizations they want to support.

CICF is your community portal. By channeling community expertise to you and taking your creative ideas to the community, together, we make a difference.

We go beyond simply taking charitable contributions and making grants to charitable organizations. Our Board and staff is responsible for having in-depth expertise, spend most of their time in the community understanding challenges, identifying opportunities, and recognizing successful organizations. We also identify current and emerging issues, stimulate resources to address those opportunities, and help our region prepare for the future.

With CICF, you are making a wise charitable investment.

Characteristics:
  • Tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3)
  • Support from many unrelated donors
  • Independent governing body broadly representative of the area served
  • Grantmaking is not limited by field of interest or to specific populations
  • Focused within a defined geographic area
  • Goal of building permanently endowment funds
  • Variance power
  • Responsible and accountable to the community

Roles:

  • Builder and steward of permanent community resources
  • Service provider to donors
  • Service provider to nonprofit organizations
  • Grantmaker
  • Service provider to other grantmakers
  • Convener, catalyst, and collaborator
  • Encourage philanthropy to the community
Contact Us