The Community Foundation aims to provide agile and immediate support to address urgent community needs. This includes supporting organizations that assist with emergency shelter, food, legal, and medical assistance, as well as focusing on both immediate and longer-term needs of impacted individuals. The foundation values maintaining a resource that can swiftly adapt to changing circumstances, demonstrating a commitment to the community's well-being through collaborative efforts and resource mobilization.
The grant making process at the Permanent Endowment involves detailed analysis of community needs, understanding of existing programs, identification of service gaps, and assessment of nonprofit management to deliver effective support to local nonprofit organizations. The grant program is guided by board knowledge and donor intentions, prioritizing organizations that exhibit a well-planned approach to addressing community issues, demonstrated support, strong leadership, and competent individuals to execute the projects. Grants are typically categorized into Community Grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, and Impact Grants, ranging from $10,000 to $25,000.