Community foundations are tax-exempt public charities organized as collections of individual funds.

Individuals, families and organizations establish permanent charitable funds at community foundations for a variety of philanthropic reasons. These funds are intended for the long-term benefit of a specific geographic location, hence, “community” foundation.

Unique among charitable organizations, community foundations are experts on both sides of the philanthropic exchange, providing exceptional service to individual funds and developing deep knowledge of local communities and their needs.

In addition to facilitating their donors’ grantmaking, community foundations generally have their own grantmaking programs that focus on particular issues, a specific geographic region, or both. Click here to learn about the California Community Foundation’s grantmaking in Los Angeles County.

Community foundations are overseen by a volunteer board of local community leaders and run by professionals with expertise in the issues facing their community.

There are currently over 700 community foundations across the United States, with combined assets of approximately $35 billion.

About the California Community Foundation

Established in 1915, our mission is to strengthen Los Angeles communities through effective philanthropy and civic engagement.

The Los Angeles-based California Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that awards grants and scholarships from many individual funds to nonprofit organizations and individuals in Los Angeles County and beyond. Click here to learn about the California Community Foundation’s grantmaking in Los Angeles County.

The community foundation provides donors with a simple, convenient and flexible way to make a positive difference, now and far into the future.

We accept a wide range of gifts, from real estate and closely-held business assets to cash. A gift to the community foundation receives maximum tax deductions, outstanding investment management and very low administrative costs — typically about one percent of assets.

The charitable funds we manage for nearly 1,400 individuals, families and organizations constitute an endowment of more than $1 billion.

The foundation has met the most rigorous standards in philanthropy and is in compliance with the National Standards of U.S. Community Foundations, administered by the Council on Foundations, a membership organization of more than 2,000 grantmaking foundations and giving programs worldwide. This affirms our commitment to financial security, transparency and accountability. Our grantmaking includes an open, competitive process designed to address our communities' changing needs. The seal also confirms our history of honoring donors’ wishes—to ensure healthy, engaged and diverse communities. For more information, visit www.cof.org.

To learn more about the California Community Foundation, contact us at (213) 413-4130 or info@ccf-la.org.