Convergence: A Global Realignment for Community Foundations
Different types of community foundations are working to share knowledge and build closer relationships, which is helping to strengthen the global community foundation field overall.
Across Borders, Beyond Blueprints: The Global Evolution of Community Foundations
This essay explores what U.S. community foundations might learn from peers who adapted key aspects of the community foundation model in the absence of concentrated private wealth, favorable tax codes, or established donor cultures.
Community Foundations in the United States: Origins, Evolution, and the Turn Toward Community Leadership
This essay traces the origins and evolution of community foundations in the U.S., from the founding of the Cleveland Foundation in 1914 to today, and suggests a path toward reclaiming their original, authentic civic purpose.
Defining “Philanthropy,” Part II: Reclaiming What Philanthropy Was Always Meant to Be
This essays suggests we can reclaim the true definition of “philanthropy” by looking at how people actually give — not through the lens of foundations and endowments, but through the evidence of everyday practice.
Defining “Philanthropy,” Part I: Love of Humankind
In this essay, Michael Layton examines how the definition of the word “philanthropy” has narrowed over time and makes the case that the fuller meaning is still available to us, if we are willing to fight for it.
More Than a Neighborhood: The Many Meanings of “Community”
This essay explores the contours of community as a concept and an empirical phenomenon — one that can be a source of support and healing, but can also divide and exclude.
Trustworthy or Not: Trust, Generosity, and the Role of Community Foundations in Mexico
In Mexico, community foundations are building vital bridges of trust between donors and civil society, turning philanthropic intent into lasting local impact.
Q&A with the Authors of the New Report, “Adopting Community-Centric Fundraising”
Ahead of the publication of new research on Community-Centric Fundraising, the researchers sat down to discuss what inspired them to do this work and what they learned about doing fundraising differently.
A Day of Service Leading to a Lifetime of Generosity
GVSU students and staff participated in the National Day of Service to recognize Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy and commitment to civic action.
Collective Giving Projected to Double in the Next Five Years
New research highlights how collective giving is diversifying philanthropy, empowering marginalized voices, and redefining generosity beyond financial contributions.