The Power of Community – and Community Foundations – in Complex Times

Posted June 24, 2010 

by Greg Chaillé, President

At the OCF annual meeting last month, Kristin Lindsey from the Washington D.C.-based Council on Foundations spoke about the complexity of problems in the 21st century and the role that community foundations can -- and should – play in solving them. 

As Lindsey stated, “Problems today are full of unintended consequences. No need to look further than the economic meltdown for evidence. What this means is that problems take more time to solve, more thinking, more partners, more time.”

So what is the power of community philanthropy in these complex times? OCF, along with many other community foundations across the nation, is embracing an idea of leadership that moves beyond building assets to building communities.

This means more convening, stronger partnerships, and bridging traditional divides such as public v. private and urban v. rural interests.

We have many strengths to put towards this effort:

Thousand of donors around the state supporting community needs;

A wide range of involved Oregonians-- volunteers, donors, partners, leadership councils, and nonprofit staffs – to help identify and solve community needs;

And, because we are on the front lines in communities around the state, we can spotlight key issues and bring others to the table to address them. 

Where do you think we can find common ground?