About Us
What We Stand For
Our Mission
To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.
Our Vision
To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.
Core Values
- Stewardship – We will support and preserve donor intent.
- Collaboration – We will act as a catalyst and partner with others to build a better tomorrow.
- Excellence – We will meet or exceed expectations in all we do.
- Integrity – We will act ethically in every relationship.
- Respect – We will honor the dignity and worth of all.
Inclusion Statement
Community foundations have the unique ability to work with donors of diverse backgrounds and interests. Diversity includes people of different ethnicities, races, genders, sexual orientations, identifications, ages, classes, circumstances, religions, abilities, geographies, and philosophies.
The Community Foundation of Shelby County welcomes all who wish to start or give to a charitable fund for the betterment of our region and beyond. We seek donors and partners who are individuals of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives.
We offer our services, resources, and knowledge to diverse organizations and donors and commit our resources to help support diverse cultures, philosophies, and experiences.
As the people’s philanthropy, we believe anyone at any income level can be a philanthropist.
What Does a Community Foundation Help Me Do?
We help you carry out your charitable wishes during your lifetime and into the future.
The Community Foundation of Shelby County is here to help you give repeatedly to causes and charities you value. You can create a charitable fund with as little as $25,000 that will be invested to annually grant money to your favorite causes and valued charities. The more you place into the charitable fund, the more it can award every year to support those organizations that matter to you.
Establishing a fund is easier than you think.
Here’s how it works:
- We work with you to create a written fund agreement that guides what the fund will support (scholarships, a cause, community project or charity). You place a tax-deductible gift in the fund.
- Grants or scholarships are issued in the name of the Fund according to the agreement.
- Or, you could ask us to receive grant proposals that will award a grant in a competitive process.
- Or, you could maintain involvement of you, your family, or a representative group who will recommend grant amounts and a changing list of charities.
The Community Foundation of Shelby County’s role is to keep your process rolling like a well-oiled machine, following the written path you have laid out. We provide the administrative structure for funds including gift acceptance, asset investment, grant disbursement, and tax filing. Most funds are intended to be perpetuating endowments, but some have a defined life span such as the completion of a community project or a milestone event. Template agreements are available to get the conversation started.
Our History
The organization’s history began in 1952 as the Sidney Community Foundation. In 1997, the name was changed to The Community Foundation of Sidney and Shelby County to reflect a broader service area. In 2002, the name was modified to The Community Foundation of Shelby County.