What is a Community Foundation?

A community foundation is a tax-exempt public charity created by the citizens of a region to act as a solid platform for building a strong community. A vital part of America’s national spirit of giving, community foundations have been in existence since 1914.

The Orange County Community Foundation is one of more than 750 community foundations in the U.S. In a national survey by the Columbus Foundation, OCCF ranks in the top 100 community foundations in the U.S. for assets, grants made and gifts received.  For fiscal 2007 results, we rank as the 87th largest community foundation in the U.S. in total assets; 45th largest in grants awarded, 39th in contributions received.

As the nation’s fastest growing sector of philanthropy, community foundations across the country hold in excess of $35 billion in assets, with annual grantmaking of more than $2.5 billion.  Through both endowed and non-endowed funds, community foundations make a permanent impact on the quality of life in their regions.

The financial structure of a community foundation is comprised of a collection of funds. Individuals, families, and organizations establish funds at community foundations to make grants to charitable organizations helping to meet the needs of their local community.

Community foundations are deeply entrenched in the communities they serve. Community foundations are knowledgeable about the communities they serve and the choices available to donors. They are governed by community leaders and are accountable to their communities. While community foundations focus on the regions where they are located, they are able to direct grants to groups anywhere in the country, and even internationally, in order to fulfill donors' interests.

Benefits
10 Reasons to Give Through OCCF
Personalized donor services