Galesburg Community Foundation develops and encourages the philanthropic efforts of people and organizations for a healthy region. We offer a unique take on philanthropy, utilizing the power of endowment to help ensure that the causes you care about are supported forever.
Joshua Gibb, President & CEO, and David Erickson, Board Chairman, of Galesburg Community Foundation, reflected on the unique work of Galesburg Community Foundation and its impact on the region over the last twenty years.
How has the Community Foundation’s purpose evolved since its inception?
DE: Initially, the Community Foundation was very focused on healthcare, providing health services or scholarships for those pursuing the medical field. But we learned that there is so much more to a healthy community than healthcare alone, and we now include the areas of art, education, and social services in our definition of a healthy community. This has been very purposeful for not only the Community Foundation but the region we serve.
JG: In the first strategic planning session for the Community Foundation, we knew what a Community Foundation was, but we didn’t know how to get from where we were to where we could be. So, we started thinking about what it really means to be a healthy community. We discussed that a healthy community was robust arts, access to education, ample physical activity, and a health care system that supported its people. That conversation was really a turning point, and a solid foundation for our work, which gave us the platform to take the next step of measured growth in terms of what philanthropy can do for our region.
What unique value does the Community Foundation offer compared to other charitable organizations or initiatives?
JG: The Community Foundation is unique because of our emphasis on partnership. By working closely with our donors, and nonprofits, we leverage each other’s strengths which can create a significant impact. Through a collaborative approach, we can find true success and differentiation from other charitable initiatives.
DE: The Community Foundation is a problem solver for our region. We figure out ways to make things happen to benefit the community. We help people strategize their ideas, in a way that is useful in the community, and we use endowment to ensure that causes have permanent resources available to them. By doing these things, the Community Foundation has become a gift to the local community, offering support and opportunities like never before.
How does (or how would you like to see) the foundation plan to sustain & expand its impact over the coming years
JG: I hope that people see that the community foundation is a place where thought leadership happens. Where collaborative conversations can begin. Galesburg Community Foundation is a place that can be trusted by people who know they want to support a community but may not know how to get started. The DNA of the Community Foundation is measurable, it’s responsible, thoughtful, and stable. And as more and more people get to know what it is that we do, I hope they join us to increase the opportunities that provide stability to our region.
How has philanthropy/generosity impacted our region in the last 20 years?
JG: Over the last 20 years, millions of dollars have been invested back into the region through the power of endowment. This money has fed families, clothed people, brought educational opportunities, built buildings, and so much more. But we also bring people into these processes and help them be involved; by providing connection and opportunity we have made it possible for people to contribute to the causes they care about.
DE: The Community Foundation takes a positive approach to all its giving and involvement in the community. People want to be a part of something positive and growing, and GCF creates that opportunity for this region.
What do you wish more people knew about the Community Foundation?
DE: The Community Foundation is something that all people can be involved with. It does not matter the size of the gift, using the power of endowment and consistently giving is what is impactful, for both people and communities.
JG: The Community Foundation is there when you need it, and what I want people to know is that whatever point of life that they’re in, and whenever it is that they need us, we will be there, and we will be ready, and able to answer your questions and help you achieve whatever you want to achieve, no matter the variables. We are guided by what we believe to be right for this region, and that philanthropy is worth investing in.
