Where a gift gives forever

While there was much to build on, there was much yet to build when Gordon M. Hayes, Jr., became the Foundation’s first executive director in 1989, and build he did.
Under his leadership, the organization made the transition from an all-volunteer group to a professionally staffed foundation. New policies in grantmaking, investments, governance and fundraising all contributed to a greater impact in the community. Visibility was increased through more creative grantmaking, including the Regents scholarships and “Care for Our Kids” initiatives, and The Community Foundation’s first advertising campaign.

The organization also broadened its role as a resource for nonprofits through grantmaking that helped them build capacity and agency funds that allowed them to benefit from The Foundation’s investment program. Most noticeably, the period was marked by an increased emphasis on regionalism, which encompassed all aspects of The Foundation’s operations and culminated with the name change in 1996.
During Hayes’ tenure, assets grew from slightly over $9 million to more than $50 million.
“Through it all,” he said, “we worked to keep The Foundation a gentle, thoughtful leader, continuing the legacy established by Addison White and all of the original incorporators.”