The Chamber Foundation is a business community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Founded in 1982, the mission of the Fort Worth Chamber Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Greater Fort Worth area. To this end, the Foundation has supported numerous community-based projects over the years.
As a 501(c)(3) foundation, the Chamber Foundation is able to accept tax-deductible donations. Since its founding, the Foundation has invested in programs, initiatives, and research to drive improvements in the region’s economy. A key pillar of the Foundation’s mission is workforce development. By improving the pipeline of talent and fostering an environment that allows for a thriving business community, the Foundation creates a brighter future for the region.
In addition to funding and researching, the Chamber Foundation also provides programming and educational opportunities to the community. Some of the initiatives the Foundation supports include the I Heart GP Campaign, the Chamber Community Scholarship Program, and the Business & Education Partnership of Schenectady County. These initiatives encourage the community to support local businesses and services and to shop locally. Moreover, they work to cultivate community leaders, ensuring that all people have access to opportunities that strengthen the local economy.
While the Chamber Foundation does not actively manage day-to-day operations, it does provide resources to other organizations and facilitates discussion of operational and policy matters. Specifically, the Foundation has two major areas of focus: economic development and business education.
Among the other pillars of the Foundation’s mission is to identify and address the region’s most pressing workforce and equity issues. By providing training programs for area professionals and offering scholarships to promising high school seniors in the Chamber’s service area, the Foundation helps build personal and professional capacity. It has also administered the Leadership Schenectady program, which prepares young individuals for the workforce of the 21st century.
A major component of the Foundation’s work is its Center for Economic Research. This organization keeps the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the broader business community informed of current and emerging economic trends. It also offers a variety of economic research reports to help individuals and businesses make sound economic decisions. Lastly, the Foundation funds the Doviak Scholarship Fund, a program that awards college scholarships to local high school students.
The Chamber Foundation’s Board of Directors is made up of community leaders. During the 2015-2016 fiscal year, the Foundation distributed $202,000 to 59 nonprofit organizations. Currently, the Foundation is building a permanent endowment to continue the impact of the Foundation’s charitable work.
Another initiative funded by the Chamber Foundation is the Effingham County Business Strong Small Business Assistance Fund. This fund is intended to create a bridge to long-term sustainability. Currently, the Foundation is seeking collaborations with other organizations that can serve as partners for this initiative.
Finally, the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation supports workforce development, education, health and wellness, and other initiatives that benefit the communities in Arizona. Through funding programs, the Foundation develops a strong, vibrant, and sustainable workforce, while catalyzing education, community health and wellness, and other initiatives that foster positive social changes in the communities of the greater Phoenix area.