In our relationships with our many valued donors, we try very hard to adhere to the principle of responsible philanthropy. This may sound like a lofty ideal but it is actually a practical standard of philanthropic behavior, a rule for us to live by.

Responsible philanthropy has four parts: flexibility in how we work with and advise our donors; prudent money management for long-term preservation and growth; diligence in the granting process, meaning that grants are made to get the best results for the community; and, last, initiatives to bring charitable organizations together to address community problems and to support community ambitions.

In other words, it is our job to make the most of your generosity.

For more specific information on the different kinds of funds donors can establish at the Foundation--donor-advised, unrestricted, agency, etc.--go to Kinds of Funds. A link from this page will show you a list of all the funds that already exist at the Foundation.

For a fuller explanation of how our community foundation works, of the choices available to donors, and for stories about real donors and the choices they made, go to Guide to Giving. This booklet, called The Gift Ongoing, is reprinted in full as a kind of primer to help you make informed philanthropic decisions.

For a comparison of community foundations, private foundations, and supporting organizations, go to Comparing Giving Strategies.

For an in-depth description of the Foundation's investment policies, its investment performance and its investment advisors, go to Community Foundation Investment Stewardship. This link also sets forth the Foundation's philanthropic philosophy and a description of the way it goes about its charitable business.

In all that it does, the Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut is bound by the strictest adherence to the precepts laid out in its own Code of Ethics. To see the code, go to Statement of Values and Code of Ethics.