Community Foundation Awareness Initiative

04/17/2026

At a time of deep division, community foundations are mending communities.

In our latest Community Foundation Awareness Initiative Quarterly Newsletter, we feature our partner, Collier Community Foundation and their Renaissance at Golden Gate project.

Collier Community Foundation is transforming a former golf course into the Renaissance at Golden Gate, an ambitious housing initiative developed to support Collier County’s essential workers.

When finished, the development will provide 252 affordable apartments for teachers, healthcare workers, and first responders.

Read more about how Community Foundation Awareness Initiative partners are working closely with their communities to bring people together and bridge divides.

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5aa447f88ab7221937fc7ee2/t/69b31513b87d2711b12b81dd/1773344029766/CFAI_Newsletter_Quarterly_031226_1130.pdf

Photo credit: Collier Community Foundation

04/06/2026

Community Foundation of South Puget Sound is addressing food insecurity in their communities through their grants to Thurston County Food Bank, Valley Heart Food Pantry and The Saints’ Pantry Food Bank.

Food pantries across the country have seen a rise in need and have struggled for the first time to keep their shelves stocked.

We're proud of the impactful work our community foundation partners do to keep communities fed.

04/06/2026

The Dallas Foundation awarded grants to organizations doing essential, under-resourced work in four issue areas including specialized health and disability services.

Grantees included Cancer Support Community North Texas, Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, Heroes for Children, Hugs Cafe Inc, Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas, and many more!

See the full list of grantees: https://www.dallasfoundation.org/general/the-dallas-foundation-awards-nearly-1-million-in-spring-grants/
https://www.dallasfoundation.org/general/the-dallas-foundation-awards-nearly-1-million-in-spring-grants/

03/30/2026

In response to wildfires across Nebraska, Community Foundation Awareness Initiative partners have launched rapid response funds to collect donations and direct support to organizations positioned to respond quickly and effectively.

The Omaha Community Foundation established the Nebraska Wildfires Response Fund: https://omahafoundation.org/news/nebraska-wildfires/

Nebraska Community Foundation launched the Nebraska Wildfire Recovery Fund: https://www.nebcommfound.org/.../nebraska-wildfire.../

Lincoln Community Foundation shared a list of funds offering critical support, ranging from emergency shelter and meals to rebuilding efforts and aid for affected agricultural producers: https://lcf.org/.../ways-to-help-nebraska-wildfires-relief

03/27/2026

North Carolina Community Foundation awarded $9 million to more than 100 organizations that are working to provide rental assistance, rebuild homes for low-income survivors, repairs, and food in response to Hurricane Helene.

Grantees included Appalachian Disaster Coalition for home repairs, Ashe County Schools for learning recovery and emotional health services for students, NAMI Western Carolina to expand mental health support, Casting Bread to rebuild a flooded food pantry and soup kitchen, Yancey County Health Department to restore safe and reliable drinking water, Mountain Child Advocacy Center for a mobile therapy unit to serve displaced children and families, and more.

Read our blog post: https://lnkd.in/eRQWqmud

Learn more about the grantees: https://www.nccommunityfoundation.org/nonprofits/disaster-relief-fund/hurricane-helene-response/resources-for-grantseekers/disaster-relief-fund-grants-awarded

NCCF began allocating funds from its Disaster Relief Fund to support Hurricane Helene recovery in western North Carolina in February 2025. The fund supports long-term recovery, addresses unmet needs and builds community resilience and preparedness for future disasters. Grantmaking will continue over...

03/26/2026

In response to wildfires across Nebraska, Community Foundation Awareness Initiative partners have launched rapid response funds to collect donations and direct support to organizations positioned to respond quickly and effectively.

The Omaha Community Foundation has established the Nebraska Wildfires Response Fund: https://omahafoundation.org/news/nebraska-wildfires/

Nebraska Community Foundation has launched the Nebraska Wildfire Recovery Fund: https://www.nebcommfound.org/give/nebraska-wildfire-recovery-fund/

Lincoln Community Foundation has shared a list of funds offering critical support, ranging from emergency shelter and meals to rebuilding efforts and aid for affected agricultural producers: https://lcf.org/about/news/newsroom.html/article/2026/03/19/ways-to-help-nebraska-wildfires-relief

03/24/2026

In an era of deep national division, community foundations are stepping up to create space for connection, understanding, and shared purpose. From small-town initiatives to urban partnerships, we’re seeing how local solutions can help us find common ground and foster a true sense of belonging.

Learn more about our latest CFAI Quarterly Newsletter in this blog post: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eBmeKRuP

03/24/2026

Our partners at Black Belt Community Foundation are uplifting youth in their communities through a new scholarship program: The Christopher H. Spencer Scholarship supports graduating seniors who demonstrate leadership, service, and a commitment to their communities.

Applications are open for the Christopher H. Spencer Scholarship supporting graduating seniors from Greene County High School and Sumter Central High School.

03/18/2026

During a time of deep division, community foundations are creating meaningful opportunities for people to come together and share ideas to tackle urgent community needs.

Learn more in our latest newsletter: https://www.commfoundations.com/blog/2026/3/16/rrkk9a58e32g6pdrorkkprsjmgbxj6

03/17/2026

Nearly 18 months after Hurricane Helene, the path to recovery continues in western North Carolina.

The North Carolina Community Foundation is demonstrating the power of long-term commitment, recently awarding $9 million to over 100 organizations. These funds are providing vital support for rental assistance, home repairs, and food security for those still rebuilding their lives.

With $33 million raised through their Disaster Relief Fund to date, this is a powerful example of how community foundations mobilize to support neighbors long after the cameras leave.

Read more about their ongoing impact: https://www.commfoundations.com/blog/2026/3/16/duep4t3klua6sd8xeek9drd95jx8a1

03/16/2026

Hunger is rising across the United States

Community foundations are stepping up to respond.

Great reporting from Martha Ramirez at Inside Philanthropy highlighting how local funders are addressing growing food insecurity and supporting the organizations closest to the communities they serve.

The story features the work of several community foundations that are part of the of Community Foundation Awareness Initiative including:

Fairfield County's Community Foundation
The Boston Foundation
Community Foundation of Howard County

Each is taking a different approach, but the throughline is clear, place-based philanthropy matters. Community foundations have the relationships, local insight and convening power to move quickly and support nonprofits.

Read the full story here:

Three community foundations share what they’re doing to alleviate hunger and offer lessons on what other funders can do.

03/16/2026

At a time of deep division in our country, community foundations are stepping up to bring neighbors together and create spaces for common ground.

Check out the latest Community Foundation Awareness Initiative (CFAI) newsletter to see how foundations nationwide are bridging differences and strengthening local belonging:
www.commfoundations.com/blog/2026/3/16/rrkk9a58e32g6pdrorkkprsjmgbxj6