Making a difference locally.
Since 1989, the Community Foundation has promoted local generosity and advanced well-being in the South Puget Sound by stewarding long-term charitable resources that support the evolving needs and opportunities of our communities.
We believe that inclusive, engaged communities—where people come together to address local challenges, welcome each other's differences, and collaborate—are essential to creating strong and healthy communities where everyone has access to opportunities to thrive.
By engaging local people in shaping the future of our communities—through grants committees, volunteerism, charitable giving, and partnerships—we stay connected to local needs and opportunities. Through our relationships with civic leaders, nonprofits, donors, and community members, we help mobilize resources to support locally-driven solutions. This collective work creates a lasting impact, enhancing well-being for generations to come.
Vision
Everyone in our region has the opportunity to thrive in communities that are sustainable, equitable, and resilient.
Mission
To grow a lasting culture of generosity and well-being in the South Puget Sound through connection, leadership, and investment.
Values
Our values are foundational to our work, they are Collaboration, Engagement, Inclusion, Integrity, and Stewardship.
Our Strategic Framework is a guiding light for the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound.
The framework affirms our commitment to driving meaningful impact by engaging our communities, mobilizing resources, and advancing well-being. Rather than a static road map, it is a flexible living document that will evolve in response to changing community needs over time.
Engage Communities
Foster community relationships and participation to develop community-informed approaches.
Mobilize Resources
Mobilize resources to address community needs and opportunities; promote philanthropy.
Advance Well-being
Leverage the Community Foundation’s tools, resources, relationships, and skills to promote equitable outcomes and enhance individual and collective well-being.
Building Blocks for Thriving Communities
We recognize that achieving our vision requires addressing interconnected challenges across multiple issue areas. These building blocks are essential components that contribute to outcomes that will improve well-being for all.
- Basic Needs: Community safety net programs ensure everyone’s basic needs are met, especially for the most vulnerable.
- Health and Wellness: Equitable access to physical and mental health, working to ensure health equity and eliminate health disparities.
- Economic Opportunity: Equitable education, dignified work, and financial security. Equitable access to entrepreneurship, home ownership, and childcare.
- Climate and Environment: Climate resilience through sustainable land use, strengthened food systems, and clean energy advocacy.
- Place and Belonging: Inclusive spaces where all feel welcomed, valued, and connected. Where we can celebrate and appreciate diverse cultures, the arts, and ample social capital.
- Democracy and Civic Engagement: Communities engage in inclusive local decision-making processes and collective problem-solving.
Community Impact Principles
We prioritize moving resources to those furthest from access and opportunity, seek to address root causes rather than symptoms, and make use of every tool we have—from funding and data to partnerships, advocacy, and local investment strategies—to support positive, community-led change. These guiding principles help us focus where we can make the most meaningful, lasting impact.
- Equity: We prioritize addressing disparities and moving resources to people furthest away from access and opportunity
- Community-informed: We engage with opportunities and needs based on insights from community engagement and data
- Systems Change: We target the root causes of social issues and inequities
- Leverage: We focus our efforts where they can make the biggest difference
- Use all Tools: We embrace a wide range of tools for impact, including financial resources, technology, partnerships, advocacy, and community assets
