The Vermont Community Foundation was established in 1986 as a permanent source of support for the state. They are a family of hundreds of funds and foundations created by Vermonters to serve their charitable goals. They provide the advice, investment vehicles, and back-office expertise to make giving easy and inspiring. Together, the funds and programs provide more than $12 million a year in grants in Vermont and beyond. 

Community foundations in the United States are public charities serving people who share a common interest—improving the quality of life in their area. Individuals, families, businesses, and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help their region meet the challenges of changing times. Community foundations invest and administer these funds. 

All community foundations are overseen by a volunteer board of citizens that works toward the greater good of the community.

The first community foundation was established in 1914 by a Cleveland banker and today nearly 700 community foundations in the United States administer more than $31 billion in charitable funds and address the core concerns of the communities they serve. And worldwide, there are more than 1,800 place-based foundations are empowering people to address local challenges and opportunities.