Lancaster County Community Foundation
Lancaster County Community Foundation is celebrating 100 years of impact by inspiring individuals, organizations, and communities to change the next 100.
Since 1924, the Lancaster County Community Foundation has been harnessing the power of community-based philanthropy to strengthen Lancaster County. From its inception, they have distributed more than $60 million to support local causes and sparked the ExtraGive, that has generated $100 million in donations for local organizations. This year, the Community Foundation is celebrating with the theme One Year to Change the Next 100. They are inviting everyone who cares about our community to share their ideas for the future and to be part of investing in Lancaster County for the next 100 years.
Tracy Cutler, Executive Vice President, shares more about the Community Foundation and the year-long celebration.
What is community-based philanthropy and how does the Community Foundation impact Lancaster?
Tracy: The Community Foundation uses the power of endowment to make philanthropy accessible to everyone. For the last century, Lancastrians from all walks of life have made charitable gifts into our community’s endowment. These gifts were, and continue to be, pooled together and invested to grow over time, creating $200 million in resources that support our community. Each year, a portion of that growth is used to impact causes throughout Lancaster County -- causes like food insecurity, environmental conservation, education, the arts, health, and more -- while the principal remains. This creates impact year after year and will continue to support Lancaster for generations to come.
It's the Community Foundation’s 100th anniversary! How are you celebrating that milestone?
Tracy: It’s an honor to care for our community’s endowment and be celebrating 100 years of local impact! All year long, we are inviting individuals, organizations, and businesses to invest in Lancaster County for the next 100 years. We are activating more than $1 million in additional funds for future-focused causes like Creative Expression, Well-Being & Vibrancy, Next Generation, and Our Planet. We hope to inspire others and ignite innovative ideas that will help make Lancaster County a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient place for everyone.
How can the community get involved?
Tracy: Everyone can be part of changing the next 100 years. Join your friends and neighbors to share your ideas for the future at our public Shaping Tomorrow Event Series. We’ve already Celebrated Creative Expression and Well-Being & Vibrancy, but there’s more to come! Be part of Elevating the Next Generation on September 28 at Millersville University or join in Protecting Our Planet October 17 at The Farm at Eagles Ridge.
You are also invited to Summer for Lancaster a free experience in Binns Park and Ewell Plaza. From June – August, check out the dynamic art installation, community concerts and dance parties, and the chance to contribute thoughts for the next 100 years. We’ve partnered with the City of Lancaster, Steinman Institute for Civic Engagement, and Atomic to create a new kind of experience that invites all of us to imagine what is possible for the future of Lancaster.
When you’re ready to dive deeper, consider joining the growing group of local philanthropists and legacy givers by contributing to the community’s endowment to support causes you care about and create lasting change.
Most importantly, let’s talk! We’re curious about what matters to you. There are lots of ways to care for our community and we’re always happy to talk with others who are committed to shaping our shared future in Lancaster County.