Many community foundations have long been champions of civic health in their communities. As place-based institutions, they understand local dynamics intimately. They are above the political fray, so they can convene diverse stakeholders who might not otherwise collaborate. They are built to endure and are able to uphold the long-term interests of the community. Most importantly, they’re trusted by governments, nonprofits, businesses, and community members alike.
Now, community foundations are positioned to play stronger leading roles in strengthening civic health. Working with other local institutions, they can establish better ways to engage people in public decision-making, problem-solving, and community-building.
“Community Foundations for Civic Health” is a collaboration between the League, CFLeads, and the Rhode Island Foundation to support community foundations as they do this work. With an initial investment from the Mott Foundation, CFCH will provide tools for engagement, peer learning opportunities, technical assistance, matching grants, measurement and evaluation, and storytelling and amplification. In a new report, Community Foundations for Civic Health: Learning & Action in 2025 and Directions for 2026, I describe how the first year of the initiative, which involved 168 community foundations in 45 states, established some common themes and ideas for the future.
