History of the Community Foundation

Visionary Palm Beach residents Winsome and Michael McIntosh established the Palm Beach County Community Foundation with a $50,000 endowment in 1972. Their goal was to build a charitable endowment that would meet the changing needs of the community.

Today, the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties is one of Florida’s largest community foundations. The nonprofit organization has nearly 300 funds and $160 million in assets. It has invested more than $150 million in grants and scholarships over its history.

The mission of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties (CFPBMC) is: ‘Together with our donors, to serve as the leading catalyst for building vibrant communities through meaningful philanthropy’. Alford Group is honored to serve as counsel to CFPBMC, initially to guide the Foundation’s strategic planning process and next to advise in their asset building initiatives.

 STRATEGIC PLANNING

Alford Group facilitated the development of a strategic plan, working with staff and volunteer leaders, to identify and recruit civic leaders to engage in the planning process, to identify organizational objectives, strategies and an action plan. Together, CFPBMC and Alford Group were able to:

  • Affirm the Community Foundation’s current mission
  • Build consensus among board, staff and key stakeholders on the future direction of the organization
  • Deepen engagement among select stakeholders and constituent groups
  • Identify key objectives and strategies that would position the organization to reach its long term goals
  • Develop a strong foundation upon which the Community Foundation could accelerate transformational and sustainable growth and community impact during the next three years and beyond

CFPBMC developed a strong strategic plan that included the mission statement, objectives, evaluation measures, strategies, and actions, and Alford Group has conducted an annual process to update and refine the plan.

CAMPAIGN

CFPBMC has expanded its capacity to identify, lead and collaborate on important community issues. Alford Group provided pre-campaign advice and counsel, helped to form a Civic Leadership Committee to provide advice in planning a 50th anniversary campaign. The Civic Leadership Committee helped to develop goals and the Foundation’s philanthropic value proposition. These strategies have led to the launch of the campaign, formation of a Campaign Cabinet, doubling annual asset growth in one year and setting the stage for a transformational increase in the Foundation’s funds and asset base.