A New Strategic Framework
With renewed focus on a data-driven approach to connecting resources with top community needs, the Foundation entered the beginning phases of a strategic plan in 2025. Its objective was to align all Foundation initiatives and efforts in dynamic ways, supporting continued growth and meaningful impact. The Foundation partnered with Mike Goorhouse, an expert in community foundation leadership and advancement, to understand and embrace a new framework that articulates the Foundation’s existing impact and guides long-term goals to benefit the region.
Through thoughtful, hands-on strategy sessions with Foundation staff and 60+ regional and affiliate board members, the three-category framework below was adopted. This framework breathes new energy into the Foundation’s existing work as a trusted partner in local community giving and capitalizes on opportunities to maximize impact across the region.
YOUR COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT
Together, we build and manage a permanent endowment in your community to ensure that resources are always available to meet local needs—today, tomorrow, and forever. Through collective community giving, we can achieve greater impact today while providing unlimited opportunities for the next generation.
YOUR GIVING SERVICES
We offer personalized giving services to donors, connecting your passions with community needs to achieve your charitable goals. Through our stewardship and local knowledge, your giving can directly benefit your community in the most effective way.
YOUR FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP
We ignite innovation through philanthropy, serving as a connector, collaborator, and changemaker to transform our region.
While this framework is new, the mission behind it is not. The Foundation remains committed to serving as a resource for donors, nonprofits, and all those who want to make a difference in their communities. In 2026, the Foundation will be launching exciting new efforts focused on Your Community Endowment—collectively building flexible resources sustained by the power of endowment to meet local and regional needs for years to come.