Discovering better ways to solve social problems

Community Philanthropy

Construction workers building a house.Community philanthropists are well positioned to achieve a rare degree of social impact through capitalizing on their geographic focus and an
in-depth knowledge of community needs.

 

How We Help

CF Insights WebsiteFSG consultants work collaboratively with key community stakeholders to define a vision for leadership and innovative strategies for achieving positive change.

Additionally, our CF Insights team supports community foundation knowledge sharing on issues of operations, sustainability, and innovation.

FSG's Community Philanthropy Services & Expertise >

Project Spotlight

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John S. and James L. Knight Foundation: Community Engagement

FSG was engaged to strategically define community engagement and give the foundation a tangible, practical, and operational plan for implementation.

Battle Creek Unlimited: Economic Development Initiative

With support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, FSG was engaged to help Battle Creek Unlimited design and implement an evaluation for their economic development effort A New Vision: Battle Creek Downtown Transformation Initiative. 

The Ford Family Foundation: Grant Strategy

The Ford Family Foundation sought guidance in reassessing priorities for its responsive grant program, as well as in further developing its proactive grant program.

Knowledge Spotlight

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Do More than Grow: Realizing the Potential of Community Foundation Donor-Advised Funds

Rebecca Graves, Eva Nico, Carina Wendel

imageWhat community foundations can do to realize the strategic value of Donor-Advised Funds.

Report

Gaining Perspective:
Lessons Learned From One Foundation’s Exploratory Decade

Veronica Borgonovi, Fay Hanleybrown, Hallie Preskill, David Zapol

imageTen years after launching an ambitious strategy, the Northwest Area Foundation asked FSG to identify lessons learned from a decade of community-based work.


Report
Executive
Summary

From Crisis to Opportunity: Learning from One Region’s Response to the Economic Downturn

Rebecca Graves, Fay Hanleybrown, Veronica Borgonovi

imageFunders in one region of the U.S. demonstrate how difficult times spur innovative strategies by doing more with less. 

From Crisis to Opportunity
Report
Crisis to Opportunity Discussion Guide
Toolkit

Community-Based Philanthropy and the Knight Community Information Challenge

Justin Bakule, John Kania, Ellen Martin, Hallie Preskill

imageCommunity and place-based foundations transform into high impact catalysts for change, by engaging with a broad range of community stakeholders.

Community-Based Philanthropy
Report

Raising Money While Raising Hell: Catalytic Community Leadership and Successful Fundraising for Community Foundations

John Kania, Emily Gorin, Valerie Bockstette

imageSeveral foundations built their fundraising efforts by leading advocacy efforts, debunking the myth that these activities are naturally at odds.

Report

Team Leader

 

Rebecca Graves

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News & Events

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From Our Clients

"FSG's candid and insightful assessment of our foundation's overall strategy and activities helped us to see opportunities to create greater value and increase the impact of our giving."

- Jeffrey Solomon,
President
The Andrea & Charles Bronfman Philanthropies

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