Quick tour

Automated guide to a few favorite features


Issues

Break down the issues here

Strategies

Learn ways to take action here

Donor Link

Join the community here

Getting started

New to giving? Start here.

Donors Making a Difference

Print this page
Wilson Foundation makes lasting impact

Making a Difference

Wilson Foundation makes lasting impact

In 1984, the Wilson Foundation took the greatest risk in its 20-year history by initiating Wilson Commencement Park with grants of $2 million – 20% of its total endowment. 

A multidimensional housing facility, Wilson Commencement Park provides long-term shelter and services to low-income, single-parent families in Rochester, NY.  Read More…

Search donor stories

BY ISSUE

Drill down into topics of interest

BY STRATEGY

Review specific approaches

BY REGION

See what’s happening by region
Northwest Southwest Midwest Northeast Southeast United States Map

Welcome to SmartLink!    
A program of the Neighborhood Funders Group

SmartLink is your one-stop-shop for free and useful ideas and insights, created just for donors, foundation trustees and others who give locally, to neighborhoods and communities.  SmartLink solves your toughest giving problem:   it helps you learn who is building strong communities, what is working to make a difference, and how to connect your giving (whether modest or substantial) to the most effective ideas and projects. 

Connect, with just a few clicks!

Among the treasures you will find here are candid profiles of donors and small foundations from all over the country, making a difference on a range of issues in their communities . With a few clicks on the left navigation menu, you can search briefs and tools focused on six key issues.  Don't stop there, drill deeper to explore action- and results-oriented topics and strategies. 

We won't tell you where to give; instead, SmartLink makes your giving smarter and more focused on making a difference.   Please note:  CGR is not a grantmaker.

SmartLink  is now on Facebook!

In the News

  • A report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition finds the national housing wage ($16.31, the amount a full-time worker must earn to afford a two-bedroom home) is rising faster than the median hourly wage and is almost three times higher than the federal minimum wage. Read More...
  • Annie E. Casey Foundation releases 2009 Kids Count Read More...
  • Child mental health-related visits to hospital emergency rooms have risen significantly in the past 10 years, according to a new report. Read More...

Facts & Figures

  • As most elderly people are covered by Medicare, nearly all the uninsured are under age 65
  • Even with a 75% participation rate in State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and Medicaid, nine million children remain uninsured
  • The costs of hurricane destruction in K-12 and higher education were estimated at $6.2 billion, but only $1.2 billion in federal funding had been committed to restoring physical structures and property.
  • In 2006 Americans contributed over 8.1 billion hours of volunteer service, valuing over $150 billion in service