Community foundations around the U.S. could soon have a new knowledge and training resource, as the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy and the Council on Foundations are teaming up to develop a national training and education institute that addresses their needs.

The National Community Foundations Institute will conduct research and offer training in several areas of interest to community foundations, including organizational development, professional and ethical standards, marketing, technology, community problem solving and legislative activity.

"Community foundations face tremendous demands for funding and leadership from the communities they serve," says Eugene Tempel, the Center on Philanthropy's executive director. "In creating this Institute, the Center on Philanthropy is responding to pressing calls from community foundation leaders and others in the field for staff and volunteer development through professional training in managing these organizations."

The institute is still in the planning stages. The Lilly Endowment is providing a one-year, $775,000 planning grant. Planners will include representatives from community foundations and related professional groups, with input from philanthropy professionals and organizations.

Full text of the article is currently found at:
http://www.philanthropy.iupui.edu/nr-CFI-Alley%20Final%20National.htm