Philanthropy and community development: the vital signs of community foundation?

Harrow & Jung assess the English community foundation Vital Signs initiative, examining how these institutions bridge community development and philanthropic funding. They find that while foundations strengthen local giving and leadership, they remain largely "settled, " focusing on ameliorative rather than transformative change. The article critically evaluates the potential and limitations of community foundations in driving deeper societal shifts, emphasizing the need for a more proactive approach towards systemic transformation. It suggests that while positive, the current impact could be expanded to foster more fundamental changes.