The Seattle Foundation is among the largest of more than 700 community foundations in the United States. Community foundations are tax-exempt public charities that serve local donors who wish to take an organized approach to giving. Community foundations are public charities so their donors enjoy increased tax advantages not available to private foundation donors. Community foundation donors also receive professional support without hiring staff. Unlike private foundations, community foundations invest and administer a pool of funds contributed by numerous donors. Together, these donors create an endowment—in essence, a community savings account—designed to ensure the long-term health of the nonprofit community. To learn more, visit the
Council on Foundations.