How The Summit Foundation Helps You Give With Confidence—and Make a Local Impact

Giving back to the place where you live, work, and play is one of the most rewarding ways to strengthen your community. Yet
many people hesitate to begin their philanthropic journey because they are unsure where to give or whether their contribution will make a meaningful difference. According to Fidelity Charitable (2023), 65% of donors say they are uncertain how to give for the greatest impact, and more than half question whether their individual gift “matters enough.” These concerns are common,  and they are exactly what community foundations are designed to address.
As Summit County’s community foundation, the Summit Foundation helps donors give with confidence by providing trusted  insight into the needs, challenges, and opportunities across our region. The Foundation conducts ongoing review of local nonprofits, assessing financial stability, staffing capacity, leadership, and measurable community outcomes. This due diligence  allows donors to support organizations that are both effective and aligned with their values, helping eliminate the fear of “not knowing enough.”
Community foundations also help donors overcome the belief that small gifts cannot make a difference. Research from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (2021) shows that collective giving significantly increases total charitable dollars and improves  nonprofit resilience, even when individual contributions are modest. At the Summit Foundation, every donation, whether $25or $2,500, joins thousands of others to support scholarships, basic needs, youth development, mental health, outdoor access,
and the programs that keep Summit County thriving.
Beyond grant making, the Summit Foundation serves as a convener and guide. We collaborate with local nonprofits, stakeholders across sectors, and community leaders to understand emerging needs and direct resources where they will have
the greatest impact. For donors, this means a giving experience that is intentional, informed, and grounded in the realities of life in our mountain community.
Your philanthropic journey does not need to be complicated. With the Summit Foundation as your partner, you can give with clarity, purpose, and trust, strengthening the community you love and ensuring Summit County remains a vibrant place
to live, work, and play.