Community Foundations

Community foundations find great energy and value in working together to tackle big issues and take advantage of key opportunities. For this reason, Idea Lab grants are an important part of CFLT’s field-engagement strategy intended to encourage greater collaboration and innovation—creating high-value solutions that benefit the community foundation field.

CFLT Idea Lab Grantees

Affiliate Curriculum Development

Develop a series of affiliate training modules that are aligned with the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. This new curriculum will broaden the national dialogue on affiliate development issues and the experience of community foundation affiliates.
Access the Endowment Building Toolkit on www.cfmarketplace.org
Center for Community Foundation Excellence - Community Foundations Affiliates (Now avaialble on DVD!)

Connecticut Network of Community Foundations—Early Childhood Education

Develop and implement an agenda for how community foundations within the state can impact early childhood education.
Read final grant report.

Feasibility and Options for Consolidation of Back Office Operations

Investigate the possible tactics and strategies to consolidate back office operations for five community foundations.
Read final grant report. (Note: Large 19mb file)

National Standards Technical Assistance Resources for Regional Associations of Grantmakers

Leverage accountability and performance by creating a model support system through regional associations to increase National Standards compliance and re-compliance.
Read final grant report.

River Partnership of Community Foundations

Bolster community foundation capacity and leadership by organizing around a shared national treasure: the Mississippi River.
Read final grant report.

Global Giving Network

Develop a concept paper to address immediate community foundation needs and a network of public and private organizations with the capacity to assist those who served our nation in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Read final report.

Building Local Assets: An Endowment Toolkit for Rural Affiliate Community Foundations

Create a toolkit on endowment building for rural affiliate governing body members, as well as nonprofit agencies/projects that have endowment funds held within local community foundations. Focus on purpose, strategy, and steps necessary to capture the transfer of wealth within rural communities.
(Report will be available by June 30, 2012.)