The Council on Foundations has announced the Iraq Afghanistan Deployment Impact Fund of the California Community Foundation as the recipient of its 2010 Critical Impact Award.

Created in 2006, the award recognizes grantmakers that support programs serving families and communities in need, share and spread best practices, and work to enhance the public good. This year's award will be shared by three IADIF partners — the Dallas, Permian Basin Area, and San Antonio Area foundations.

Established four years ago as a donor-advised fund, IADIF has distributed nearly $250 million to fifty-three nonprofits nationwide working to help the more than 2.2 million American troops who have served in military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001. With an initial focus on direct services to troops, veterans, and families affected by deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan, IADIF has expanded its grantmaking to include support for research, advocacy, public awareness, and other opportunities that address the complex impact of the wars on the individuals who are fighting them and their families.

"We owe our freedom to America's troops, who along with their families make a profound sacrifice and display immense heroism every day," said Council on Foundations president and CEO Steve Gunderson. "IADIF recognizes our national responsibility to support those who have served in the longest wars in our nation's history. The council is honored to recognize IADIF's innovative approach."