Our Support for Nonprofits

Our support of nonprofit organizations is rooted in being a meaningful partner that goes far beyond grant funding. We strive to make connections and provide knowledge and resources that support causes and cause-driven leaders for the greater good of our community.

Grant opportunities are available in many forms. Formal calls for applications are issued intermittently based on specific cause areas, such as animal welfare, health and wellness issues, or even causes that serve specific geographic areas across our region. Additionally, we consider sponsorship support twice-a-year (late spring and late fall), and ongoing support requests are considered throughout the year for emerging needs and opportunities. Strategic grantmaking opportunities that have the potential to support families across generations and across sectors are issued intermittently by invitation.

Guidance on strengthening our nonprofit partners is offered through Workshops & Trainings, as well as through The Giving Partner, an online resource that shines a light on the needs, operations, and long-term visions of area nonprofits. Organizations with completed profiles have thoughtfully expressed the missions and worked with their professional and volunteer leadership to establish plans that drive strategic operations.

The Giving Challenge (April 28–29, 2020) is a 24-hour giving event that brings together more than 630 local nonprofits listed on with their passionate donors and community members to support causes and missions they care about while creating transformative impact.

We also provide at no cost the expertise of professional consultants who can help guide discussions about strategic planning, board governance, human resource challenges and other management or leadership development issues.

Through our electronic library, resources are available from time-to-time on topics as varied as compensation, grant seeking, succession planning, and financial communications.

Nonprofit organizations are also invited to host events and meetings in our building free-of-charge.

Perhaps most importantly in our partnership approach is the example of trust built over 40 years by the more than more than 100 agencies who have established Endowment Funds with the foundation. While the benefits of a large investment pool without any administrative fees are recognized, the confidence entrusted to us by our nonprofit partners is a point of pride and appreciation.