Our Mission
To strengthen our region through inspired philanthropy and outstanding stewardship by:

• partnering with donors and others to ensure lasting impact
• leveraging our knowledge of our communities
• offering our constituents an unmatched level of personal engagement

A Brief History

The first philanthropic trust for Louisville was created in 1916 as the Louisville Foundation.  After being inactive for many years, that Foundation was reorganized in 1984 as a community foundation. The success of the new Community Foundation of Louisville is due largely to its initial leaders—the late Wilson W. Wyatt, Sr. (Chair, 1984-1992; shown top right) and Baylor Landrum, Jr. (President, 1983-1993; Chair, 1992-93; shown below right).

From 1984 to 2009, the Community Foundation grew from six charitable funds and assets of $1.1 million to more than 1,100 funds totaling $250 million. Although commingled as a lasting community resource, each fund has its own name and charitable purpose as defined by its donors. In 2009, these funds awarded 7,500 grants totaling $32 million to nonprofit organizations that improve the quality of life in the Louisville area and beyond.