By
The winter holiday season is in full swing, and, at least for many of us, that means it is a time of giving.
For many donors who give to or through community foundations and other public charities, though, giving isn’t necessarily tied to a specific time of year: it’s a continuous way of showing steadfast support to the causes that matter most to them, as well a means for reinforcing the values that fuel their philanthropy. Community foundations are key partners for these donors.
But whether donors lean into the Giving Season or choose to do their giving all year round, these quotes from donors who’ve offered their feedback to community foundations through CEP’s Donor Perception Report offer keen insight into what these organizations are doing well — and where they might improve. As such, the gift that donors are able to provide of candid, thoughtful, and even (lovingly) critical feedback can be just as important as their financial support.
NB: these quotes have been edited for clarity and to maintain the confidentiality of donors who responded to CEP’s survey.
On foundations who live up to their values:
“The Foundation’s greatest strength lies in its deep-rooted connections across [the community] and its unwavering clarity of purpose. Its broad and diverse network allows it to build authentic partnerships, tap into local expertise, and stay attuned to community needs. Just as importantly, the Foundation consistently leads with its values — ensuring that every program, service, and message reflects its commitment to equity, access, and opportunity. This alignment between values and action builds trust and amplifies its impact.”
On the importance of sharing insight about a funder’s impact:
“To be honest, I don’t know what [the Foundation] has really done over the last 18-24 months except to conduct studies. Alot of talk, talk, talk but are they really moving the needle? Only time will tell but some donors are getting disgruntled.”
On a foundation’s ability to play the “matchmaker”:
“The Foundation is a world-class matchmaker, matching us donors to the agencies that have an impact on our highest priorities. The Foundation is able to raise an issue in the community that was not previously known and bring together donors to make improvements and fund related efforts.”
On the need for resources for donors during difficult times:
“A thought leadership symposium would be fantastic that focuses on how donors make tough decisions during very difficult times … with the tumult going on with our current administration and the funding cuts taking place, we have more needs than ever and all of them are valid. How best does a donor make the tough decisions? … How does one navigate spreading funding around within a current strategy? Is it better to go broad and shallow with funding or narrow and deep? Hearing and interacting with others on these topics would be fabulous!”
On feeling valued, regardless of fund size:
“The Foundation makes us feel appreciated and honored, even though we have a small donor-advised fund. Also, our philanthropic advisor contacts us to alert us to opportunities within the Foundation to fund special projects, impact projects, and other efforts to address issues that we care about.”
On building relationships with foundation staff:
“The engagement has really diminished in the past three to four years. I understand the difference during COVID, but it has not come back. I am torn because I believe the heightened focus on the community rather than on donors is appropriate, but I struggle to feel connected and excited about the Foundation as I once did. I understand it is a balancing act; I just wonder if the balance is a little off right now.”
On a foundation’s ability to make an impact in the community:
“The [Community Foundation] has made an incredible impact on [the community], transforming [it] in countless ways. Their dedication to better serving our area is truly remarkable, and the financial contributions they’ve made are nothing short of astounding. Equally impressive is the dedication of their staff, whose commitment to clear communication and providing valuable resources truly sets them apart. We are so grateful for the positive changes they continue to inspire and support.”
On enhancing donor technology:
“I find the donor portal to be a little clunky — I wish it were easier and faster to sift through what I recommended last year (to which orgs, how much) and repeat grants I want to make again. I know the portal allows it, but it is not easy/intuitive. I would definitely appreciate more opportunities to learn about nonprofits that ARE making a difference, what other donors are doing/supporting, and how we can work together.”
On a foundation’s deep knowledge of the community:
“The [Community Foundation] is very well connected to the community it serves and fast on its feet to recognize new needs, as they develop around specific events and emergencies. And they are very good at taking the long look about what will be needed in the coming years to position themselves and their donors for meaningful philanthropy.”
On maintaining consistent staff contacts:
“[The foundation could improve by] keeping fund staff contacts consistent. I have lost track of how many staff contacts I have had in 13 years. This has affected my motivation to stay connected to the foundation. You start to build a relationship and then you have to start again.”
On engaging the community:
“[The Foundation’s] greatest strength lies in its deep understanding of community and its unwavering commitment to inclusive engagement. This is evident in the way [the Foundation] consistently reaches out, listens attentively, and builds meaningful relationships across a wide range of stakeholders — including residents, nonprofits, businesses, and public institutions.”
Kara Doyle is a senior analyst on the Assessment and Advisory Services team at CEP. Find her on LinkedIn.
Want to hear more about how community foundations are affecting change in their communities? Check out this episode of Giving Done Right, to hear wisdom from three community foundation CEOs.
Editor’s Note: CEP publishes a range of perspectives. The views expressed here are those of the authors, not necessarily those of CEP.
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