The Building Blocks of a Healthy Community

The Community Foundation’s vision of a healthy community focuses on a thriving community life in areas of education, the environment, arts & culture, general community, basic needs, and health & wellness.

We believe that philanthropy has a role in supporting a robust and well-rounded community. Much of our work is focused on these area-of-interest building blocks and an all encompassing, long-term view is important to maintain balance and vitality. Needs can serve as a conduit, bringing donors and community leaders together to solve problems and review long-range plans and visions.

Environment

Sustaining our island’s natural beauty and economy requires thoughtful collaboration and informed community members. A balance of the many interests of our growing community can be achieved by working together to plan for growth while protecting our own unique environment.

Arts & Culture

Theatre, art, sculpture and music all have a strong presence in our community and enrich our lives. The Community Foundation believes in supporting expression, recreation and access to theatre, music and the arts.

Community

Life on an island does, on its own, create opportunities to join together in many ways. Weather and our ‘isolation’ have provided opportunities for us to connect with each other over common concerns and share local aspirations while recognizing our independence and inter-dependence.

Health and Wellness

Sound health and wellness for children, families and seniors is valued and supported by many island organizations. Sustaining our health involves medical service providers, recreational organizations, childcare and development, strong families, emergency assistance and hospice, to name just a few.

Education

Access to education and learning comes through many avenues and range from supportive programs in early childhood development that help young people prepare for a life of learning to scholarships that can open doors to advanced education and provide an incentive to realize one’s dreams to opportunities for adults to learn about the world around them. 

Basic Human Needs

Having the basic necessities in life is not always easy for some islanders. Numerous organizations stand by to help by providing food, clothing and shelter.