Amo, Fitzpatrick Launch Bipartisan Caucus to Support Community Foundations

WASHINGTON, DC - TODAY, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)launched the bipartisan Community Foundation Caucus to support the vital work of community foundations across the United States. Community foundations are locally governed grantmaking organizations that help address local problems with local solutions and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans.

​"In Rhode Island and across our country, community foundations are uniquely positioned to strengthen our neighborhoods, support local nonprofits, and make a real difference," said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). "The Rhode Island Community Foundation, led by my predecessor in Congress, David Cicilline, supports phenomenal work in Rhode Island to help ensure our neighbors are housed, fed, educated, and have access to health care. I'm proud to launch the Community Foundation Caucus with Congressman Fitzpatrick to expand federal collaboration and better support our communities."

"Throughout my time in Congress, the most effective solutions I've worked on didn't begin in Washington - they began in our communities. They began with neighbors coming together to solve problems, rolling up their sleeves, and investing in one another. That is exactly what community foundations do every single day," said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). "This bipartisan Caucus formalizes what I have long believed: when we empower local voices and shape policy alongside our communities, we produce solutions that drive measurable progress and enduring impact. I'm proud to launch the Community Foundation Caucus with Congressman Amo and our colleagues to strengthen that partnership and ensure community-driven solutions remain at the heart of how we govern."

"Community foundations are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change through our deep roots and trusted relationships in the communities we serve. From supporting local nonprofits and responding to natural disasters to convening diverse perspectives around complex challenges, we create a lasting impact by understanding and collaborating with our neighbors," said former Congressman David Cicilline, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Rhode Island Foundation. "The Congressional Community Foundation Caucus will help ensure federal policymakers recognize the power of place-based philanthropy and our potential as partners in addressing the most pressing needs of our shared communities. We're grateful to Representatives Amo and Fitzpatrick for their leadership in establishing this bipartisan caucus and for valuing the vital role community foundations play in strengthening communities nationwide."

"Community Foundations serve as the permanent philanthropic hub for local communities, connecting generous donors with pressing needs and building resources that serve our community now and for generations to come," said Mandy Mundy, Executive Director of Bucks County Foundation. "Just as community foundations foster collaboration in local communities between donors and charitable needs, the launch of the new bipartisan Congressional Community Foundation Caucus will facilitate collaboration between legislators and community foundation leaders to enhance the critical role community foundations play in leading community-focused charitable giving- now and forever."

Background

Community foundations are public charities that pool contributions from many donors to benefit a broad geographic area. This community-based approach enables them to address a wide range of issues and serve as trusted conveners and partners for local initiatives.

In 2023, community foundations awarded $18.7 billion in grantsto support education, health care, affordable housing, and countless other community priorities.

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