About Us The Community Foundation began in 1980 through a challenge grant from the Nordson Foundation. We are a public charity, dedicated to connecting people who care to causes that matter. We work in three ways:
We lead Lorain County to a better future. The Community Foundation works to improve our community and solve problems, identifying situations in need of community attention, engaging people and organizations that have a stake in the future of our community, making key connections, starting meaningful dialogues, and mobilizing resources and ideas for real and lasting results in Lorain County and adjacent communities.
We help donors create legacies of giving. People of all means give through the Community Foundation to advance causes they care about most. Donors may contribute any amount to an existing Community Foundation fund, or they may create a specially named fund to accomplish personal or corporate giving goals. Donors contribute to this community’s permanent endowment—establishing charitable funds that are carefully invested so that they grow over time. We can work directly with donors and their professional advisors to help them choose a giving strategy custom fit to their personal financial situations and giving preferences. Community organizations also choose to establish endowment funds at the Community Foundation, creating a place for donors to make lasting gifts to their favorite organizations.
We invest in our community. The Community Foundation monitors local needs and opportunities so that we can invest in the projects that make a difference. Community Foundation funds support arts, develop communities, enrich education, safeguard health, and serve people. Our expert program staff connects donors to high-impact giving opportunities. We also work closely with nonprofits whose projects are funded by strategic grants, building on their strengths and nurturing them to improve results and achieve sustainability.