The Lancaster County Community Foundation takes its role as a philanthropic leader in the community seriously.  We work to facilitate new approaches to philanthropy.  We take a proactive role in addressing and solving problems by serving as a catalyst on emerging issues.  We bring together a broad array of donors, government officials, and nonprofit and business leaders to develop collaborative approaches.  We believe the Community Foundation must be a catalyst for growing philanthropy – increasing philanthropic dollars and actively encouraging a spirit of giving.

The benefits of giving through the Lancaster County Community Foundation include:

• Simplicity:  You can easily create and add to your own unique charitable fund.  Many people conveniently manage all of their charitable giving through the Foundation.
  
• Flexibility:  The Foundation works with you to help you meet your philanthropic and life-planning goals.  The Foundation offers many products and services through which you can leverage your giving and maximize your charitable impact in the community.
  
• Maximum Tax Advantages:  As a public charity, The Foundation offers you the highest benefits for charitable giving allowed by law.
  
• Professional Investment Management:  Our many charitable funds are pooled, thereby achieving significant economies of scale and maximum diversification.  We also strive to keep investment and trading expenses as low as possible, thereby benefiting your fund’s long-term returns.
  
• Informed Philanthropy:  The Foundation can help connect you with ongoing charitable projects that have a positive impact on the community.
  
• Public Accountability:  The Foundation is independently audited by a certified public accounting firm and makes its annual IRS Form 990 available to anyone upon request.
  
• Permanence: The Foundation is managed to provide support to our community for generations to come.  If the original purpose of your fund becomes impossible, incapable of fulfillment, or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community, the Foundation’s Board of Directors has the legal authority to redirect the fund to the most closely related use.  Your original charitable intent will be honored regardless of changing circumstances.
  
• Recognition: Through the Foundation’s reports, newsletters, website, and periodic events throughout the year, you will receive thanks and acknowledgement for your civic-minded generosity.