Dreaming Bigger – A New Chapter for the Community Foundation

By: Jennifer Fox

Over the past four decades, the Henry County Community Foundation has focused on one central mission: to connect people who care with causes that matter. Through grantmaking, scholarships, and donor partnerships, we’ve helped make dreams possible and the community stronger.

But now we’re asking a new kind of question: What if we didn’t stop there?

What if the next chapter of our work meant pushing past the historical boundaries of what a community foundation has traditionally done? What if we could do even more—not just by giving, but by investing in a way that creates both a return and a ripple effect?

This is the heart of impact investing, a forward-thinking approach in the philanthropic world. The idea is simple but powerful: instead of putting all of our assets into traditional markets, what if we could invest in our own community? Projects, organizations, or businesses that have the potential to strengthen the local economy, address urgent needs, or drive positive change, all while maintaining the stewardship and sustainability we’ve always upheld.

This kind of thinking may sound a little outside the box. But innovation begins with a bold “what if?”

What if we supported housing developments that offer both affordability and dignity? What if we helped launch a business that hires local residents with barriers to employment? What if we could be the first funder in a transformational project, giving it the momentum it needs to attract broader support?

As we look to the future, we’re not just imagining—we’re moving forward.

The Henry County Community Foundation is taking intentional steps toward impact investing. We’re identifying opportunities, building partnerships, and developing strategies that allow us to invest directly in our community’s potential. This is new chapter.

We will continue to be the dependable resource our donors and partners trust, while also stepping into bold new territory that expands our impact. By adding impact investing to our toolbox, we’re opening the door to projects that uplift our neighborhoods, fuel local innovation, and create lasting change.

We’re doing more than asking “what if?”—we’re answering it.