Mission:
To encourage and apply philanthropic contributions to help improve the human condition, embrace diversity, promote a humane and democratic society, and enhance the community's quality of life, now and for future generations.

Background:
The Marin Community Foundation was established in 1986 with the assets of a trust created by longtime area residents Leonard and Beryl H. Buck to serve the people of Marin County in Northern California. Since its inception, more than three hundred individuals, families, businesses, and community groups have created funds at MCF to support a wide range of projects in the county and elsewhere. The foundation, which is the fourth-largest in the country, pursues its mission by making grants and loans; encouraging individuals, families, and businesses to fulfill their charitable and financial goals; offering resources to help people and businesses plan their giving; promoting greater community involvement; convening people to work on community problems; honoring individuals and groups for improving the community; and providing meeting space for local nonprofit organizations.

Outstanding Feature:
The foundation's new Web site offers information to several audiences: individual donors, financial advisors, nonprofits, and the general public. Potential donors can learn about the benefits of giving through a community foundation, professional advisors can learn how the foundation can help meet their clients' financial and charitable needs, nonprofits can apply for grants, and the public can read about how MCF is making a difference in the community.

One of the site's key features is MCF Donor Express, a valuable service for donors who serve as advisors to funds at the foundation. The tool allows users to view their fund balance, gifts to their fund, grants made, and grants pending; all of the information is updated daily. Donors can also recommend grants online and find out about special funding opportunities.