Respect — Board and staff have a profound respect for the commitment and experience of local organizations and for the unique needs and interests of communities.

Time — Board and staff take time to visit, listen to and speak with community representatives including potential grantees, public officials, local leaders and residents including youth in order to develop relationships that deepen mutual learning, understanding and trust.

Community ownership and building on existing strengths — The Foundation is committed to approaches that are owned by the community and that build on the existing strengths of families and communities.

Openness — When possible, the Foundation remains open to extraordinary and unanticipated funding opportunities.

Diversity — The Foundation Board and staff value diversity and are themselves diverse in race, culture, experience, interests and skills.

Partnerships — The Foundation seeks partnerships with other foundations, non-profit organizations and government officials.

Specific organizational and community goals — The Foundation prefers to make grants toward the achievement of specific organizational and community goals rather than to provide on-going general operating support.