Executive Director, Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin

These are difficult times for many in our community. Unemployment remains high, paychecks don't go very far, and every day it seems another public service is being curtailed in the interest of budget cuts. That's why the kinds of innovative investments being made by philanthropy - particularly community foundations - have never been more important.

This week, Wisconsin residents recognized the vital role of more than 700 community foundations nationwide in supporting essential services like health care clinics, food banks, domestic violence shelters, libraries, and volunteer fire departments. In 2010, these foundations granted an estimated $4 billion to a variety of nonprofit activities in the arts, education, health and human services, the environment, and disaster relief. Though they could never replace the role of government-funded services, community foundations can help nonprofit organizations and others by using their private resources for the public good.

Community foundations' financial independence allows them to take risks, sometimes achieving extraordinary results and affecting change. Another advantage of community foundations' philanthropy is their ability to drive innovation as an incubator for great ideas. While government has the resources to accomplish big things, it is not known for being nimble or innovative. This is where community foundations can really make a difference, developing timely solutions to pressing problems in our society.

During the past year, the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin was able to inject more than $20,000 into the Monroe community through the Monroe Fund and the Reasa Charitable Fund. The funds made 20 grants in 2011 providing support for programs serving Monroe citizens of all ages, from preschoolers to seniors. Among other activities, grants from the funds allowed the Monroe Arts Center to bring performances into the schools, provided a computer upgrade for the Literacy Council of Green County, helped to prevent homelessness, and supported the marvelous Zoo on the Square public art project.

Community foundations know that the investments they make today will help people for many years to come. By marshalling the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses, we can address problems like unemployment, stagnant economic growth, hunger, and poverty. By strategically working with others, community foundations can equip society to more effectively deal with such future challenges in Green County.