Mission
To enrich lives and strengthen the communities we serve.
Vision
To be Northwest Florida’s premiere provider of philanthropic services.
Foundation History
Our mission and vision at work in Northwest Florida since 1995.
The Community Foundation of Northwest Florida was established in 1995 through a grant from the D.W. McMillan Foundation. Originally formed to serve the needs in the Greater Escambia County area, we now service all of Northwest Florida. For more than 15 years, the Community Foundation of Northwest Florida has been assisting donors in establishing long-term charitable giving that reflects their individual philanthropic interests while positively impacting our local communities.
Long Term Goals
Through the achievement of these long-term goals, the Community Foundation of Northwest Florida will become the area’s premier provider of philanthropic services.
The Community Foundation of Northwest Florida (previously the Greater Escambia Community Foundation) was formed in 1995 to serve Escambia County, Florida and nearby communities. In 2012 the Board of Directors changed the organization’s name and established long term goals for the Foundation.
The Community Foundation of Northwest Florida is working to expand its service area to all communities of Northwest Florida.
The Community Foundation of Northwest Florida is working to better educate the communities we serve and those we will serve in the future. We will continue in our efforts to educate individuals and organizations on the value of a community foundation to local philanthropy.
The Community Foundation of Northwest Florida is working to grow its assets, including both restricted assets designated for specific charitable purposes as well as unrestricted / discretionary assets to be used to address changing community needs. The growth of discretionary assets will better position the Foundation to respond to future community needs such as disasters, both natural and man-made.
National Certification
Our certification affirms our commitment to financial security, transparency and accountability.
The National Standards Seal by our name indicates official confirmation from the Community Foundations National Standards Board that we have met the most rigorous standards in philanthropy. It affirms our commitment to financial security, transparency and accountability. It says our grantmaking includes an open, competitive process designed to address the changing needs of our community. The National Standards Seal also confirms our history of honoring donors’ wishes—to support the arts, cultivate gardens, save endangered species, cure illness, expand literacy, feed children—and support countless other important causes.
The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations were created in 2000 in cooperation with the Council on Foundations. National Standards guide community foundations in establishing legal, ethical and effective operational practices that serve as blueprints for internal development and benchmarks for external assessment. The 41 National Standards require Northwest Minnesota Foundation to document its policies in donor services, investment management, grantmaking and administration. To receive confirmation of National Standards compliance, Northwest Minnesota Foundation submitted its organizational and financial policies and procedures to the Community Foundations National Standards Board for a rigorous peer review.
*A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by going to the department’s website, www.800helpfla.com or calling toll-free (800-435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.