The Governance Framework and Functional Orientation of British Community Foundations

Abstract

46 Community Foundations registered in the UK Community Foundations are studied to analyze the governance structure and their function in community governance. The decision-making body of the community foundation is the board of directors, the members of which are diverse without remuneration. The executive agencies include departments dealing with fund, finance, development, public relations and projects. The government supports community foundations in policies and funding. Understanding the needs of the community and possessing professional knowledge and skills is the premise of the establishment of community foundations. Policy guidance, peer funding and technology are the driving force for the development of community foundations. To present the annual report on the internet is the guarantee of the community foundation's credibility. Being based on community philanthropy, giving play to community leadership, and participating in community governance is the professional orientation of community foundations. Keywords—community foundation; governance structure; functional positioning