By now we have all heard about Warren Buffet’s donation of over $30 billion to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This gifting of over 80% of his total financial worth has inarguably made Mr. Buffet one of, if not, the greatest philanthropist in history. However, relating this situation locally, there are three messages that have been lost in the numbers with this gift by Warren Buffet.

 

First is that Mr. Buffet has chosen to give to an organization that he believes in and trusts, in the Gates Foundation. Trust is perhaps the most important aspect to a donor when making a gift to any charity. The donor wants to know the charity is credible and is truly looking out for the needs of the donor and community. While it would be difficult to compare the Community Foundation to the Gates Foundation, the very donors in this community, for over 25 years, have entrusted the Community Foundation with their monies to benefit charitable purposes. CRCF is continually working to build this trust and a reputation of serving donors, so donors can serve the community.     

 

Second, rather than trying to disburse his funds on his own, Mr. Buffet put his monies in the hands of experts. The Gates Foundation knows how to take donated monies and direct them where they are most needed, within their priority areas. They have the time, resources, and expertise to do so. The same is true in Chautauqua County with the Community Foundation. It can very difficult for local donors to try and determine what the true needs of the community are and how to direct their gifts toward those needs. However, the Community Foundation works to learn the needs of the community and is continually acquiring knowledge and resources to assist those needs. 

 

Third, and perhaps most importantly, is Mr. Buffet’s beyond generous gift might make it seem as though you need to have billions of dollars to make an impact. Nothing could be further from the truth when you give to the Community Foundation. Your gift, whether it is $1 or $100, is invested and grows over time, making a greater impact every single year. Additionally, the Foundation offers over 400 funds, all with their own specific purposes that have over 400 separate impacts for those who benefit from them. So every dollar donated to these separate funds has a substantial impact on a particular segment of the community on an annual basis. Ask any scholarship recipient or area non-profit organization how they feel about CRCF funding, and they will assure you every dollar helps. 

 

So understand it does not necessarily take billions of dollars to make a difference, as small efforts close to home can have a tremendous impact. By working with and trusting CRCF, donors all across the Chautauqua Region have already seen benefits to our community and the causes they wish to assist. 

Applaud Warren Buffet for his generosity; but applaud yourselves, as well, because with your support, small and large, the Chautauqua Region will continue to be a truly great place.