Smart Philanthropy

What do we mean by ‘smart philanthropy’?

Utah’s model of social capital allocation is notoriously inefficient for many donors and charities alike.  For many who want to support the agencies that strengthen our community, assessing an investment for social return is prohibitive and leveraging support with others interested in the same cause is difficult. Transferring assets, assessing the tax implications of choices, evaluating the impact of various nonprofits, responding to requests, managing funds set aside for giving—even processing checks—can take a great deal of time.  For organizations seeking support, locating donors and then repackaging programs for different audiences makes the very act of raising capital costly. To address these inefficiencies, community leaders in every other major metropolitan area and state in the nation have organized community foundations.

The Community Foundation of Utah is a catalyst for philanthropy that is visionary, sustainable and inclusive. Our goal is to make the charitable giving process more simple and the work of investing more meaningful.

• We leverage.  We multiply the impact of every donation by pooling them with other gifts, providing the benefit of a large foundation’s assets for every level of donor.

• We are donor focused. We offer creative, cost-effective and tax-efficient ways to invest in Utah.
• We drive social innovation. We are drawing attention to social entrepreneurship through research, education and investments in ideas with the potential for deep impact.
• We are sustainable philanthropy. We provide leadership and problem solving now, and help ensure the long term health of Utah with permanent endowments.
• We are inclusive. We make it possible for all levels of donors to invest in the current and future needs of our Utah through a collaborative and platform that focuses the full capacity of our citizens to address public problems, together.

•  We are forward thinking. We help nonprofits build and create sustainable businesses and endowments, reducing dependence on donations.
• We engage giving minds. We facilitate partnerships so donors and nonprofits benefit from each other's expertise, not just their contribution.