The Community Foundation awards competitive grants from its Community Impact Fund to local nonprofit organizations that share its high standards of integrity and demonstrate that they’re making a real impact in addressing the most pressing issues in the community.
“The Community Impact Fund allows us to respond where the need is greatest,” said Julie Fisher Cummings, Chair of the Foundation’s Community Impact Committee. “By giving to this fund, donors can support hundreds of organizations serving our region.”
Since awarding its first grant of $2,500 to the 211 Helpline in 1972, the Community Foundation has awarded Impact Fund grants to more than 3,600 nonprofits, allowing them to make meaningful and lasting change throughout Palm Beach and Martin counties.
Each year, the need continues to grow, particularly during tumultuous economic times, such as those many have seen recently. Those are the times when underserved communities with limited resources often struggle the most.
Last year, the Community Foundation received nearly 350 requests from area nonprofits and awarded more than $5.6 million in grants to 159 of them.
“Each year, the number of requests we receive far exceeds what we can fund,” said Danita R. DeHaney, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “That gap represents real people and real programs that need support — and it shows why giving to the Community Impact Fund is so important.”
The rigorous, months-long process to award year-round or summer grants of up to $75,000 begins with nonprofits submitting a letter of interest and an application.
The Community Impact team often conducts site visits. In addition, a group of volunteers on the Community Impact Committee carefully reviews the applications to ensure awarded funds align with the foundation’s mission, values and priority areas of need.
The committee recommends the slate of grants to the Foundation’s board of directors, which then gives final approval.
By giving to the Community Impact Fund, individuals, families, businesses and organizations can create lasting local change that affects the most people on a broad scale.
“When we come together to give, we create hope that reaches every corner of our community,” DeHaney said.
Give Where You Live: yourcommunityfoundation.org, 561.659.6800 or 700 S. Dixie Highway, Suite. 200 in West Palm Beach.
