The Council on Foundations is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the creation of the first community foundation by shining a spotlight on the myriad ways these important institutions are making a difference – and discussing how these vital institutions will serve their communities during the next 100 years.

This month, we invite our community foundation colleagues to share stories of how they are engaging their communities to strengthen social ties and facilitate civic participation. Please submit guest blog posts, videos, and other content you want highlighted at CF100@cof.org.

Below are recent highlights of stories about how community foundations are aligning social action with their local networks.

Rural Schools Partnership Brings Opportunity to the Ozarks

Learn how the Community Foundation of the Ozarks led a collaborative effort to help resource-strapped schools provide opportunities for students and teachers. See how the Rural Schools Partnership went from an "aha" moment in 2008, to having 623 funds and $29 million in assets today.

Building the Backbone Network in the Quad Cities

Matt Mendenhall of the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend discusses how they organized regional partners to combat high school dropout rates. Community leaders in education, business, and other sectors committed to a common vision to improve educational outcomes and built a backbone network supporting their mission.

Girls' Health in Girls' Hands

Dan Baldwin of the Community Foundation for Monterey County shared how they came to realize the when women have economic security, pathways to opportunity, and access to services their community would thrive. Their Girls' Health in Girls' Hands initiative allows girls to reach their full potential through a collaborative focus on their health, their well-being, and their future opportunities.

2014 Centennial Fall Conference Rates Announced

Join us in Cleveland, October 19-22, as we culminate our commemoration of the Community Foundation Centennial in the home of the world's first community foundation! Rates are now available on our website so you can start planning your trip today. Be sure to stay tuned for more information coming soon as we prepare to open registration and announce programming.

#CF100 #PWDC Twitter Chat

On Friday, March 7, 2014 as part of Philanthropy Week in Washington and the Community Foundations Centennial initiative (#CF100), the Council on Foundations and The Chronicle of Philanthropy hosted a twitter chat around the role of philanthropy in America. Participants discussed the potential effects of recent tax reform proposals and the role of community foundations in aliging social action. Read a summary and join the continuing conversation at #CF100.