Preceding a national trend in community grant making, a small group of Jackson residents formed in 1989 to identify future needs of the community. Wanting to maintain Jackson's unique quality of life while building a strong foundation for the future, they created the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole to support the charitable activities of our community and to connect donors and non-profits.

Their vision not only helped to preserve Jackson's character and community, it also created a new generation of philanthropists and active citizens. Every year the funds that pass through the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole enrich lives with art and culture; encourage the study and protection of the environment; educate young and old; feed the hungry; foster discussions; house our neighbors and facilitate numerous projects for the health, well being and cultural fulfillment of Jackson Hole.

Timeline

1989
The Community Foundation of Jackson Hole forms as an affiliate fund of the Wyoming Community Foundation when an anonymous donor creates the first fund to benefit the residents of Jackson Hole. This Donor Advised Fund will continue through the donor's children to benefit our community in perpetuity. The Community Foundation borrows office space from Will Obering and raises a total of $200,000 to benefit local causes.

1995
1995 marks the establishment of our own non-profit organization. The Foundation focuses on the local community and tailors our services to efficiently and effectively connect donors and non-profit organizations in Jackson Hole. Setting a trend in selfless giving, an anonymous local couple creates the Foundation's first million-dollar fund.

1997
An anonymous couple affectionately referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Old Bill steps forward with the idea of Old Bill's Fun Run for Charities, the first event of its kind in the nation. Providing a $5 million matching grant over ten years, Old Bill's Fun Run for Charities becomes the most successful community-building and fundraising event in Jackson.

1999
The Community Foundation celebrates its 10th anniversary with an event honoring the vision of founding board members Jean Adams, Roger Amadon, Med Bennett, Ted Donnan, Clarene Law, Julie Obering and Suzanne Young. Current board members, donors, staff and volunteers join together to reflect on the phenomenal success and involvement of the Community Foundation.

2001
The Foundation is recognized as the number one per capita granting community foundation in the country, an honor it has consistently earned every year since.

2004
The Community Foundation celebrates its 15th anniversary with a celebration dinner at the Four Seasons featuring guest speakers James Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank Group and Senator Alan Simpson. The event celebrated 15 years of looking ahead and giving back.

2006
The Community Foundation surpasses $100 million in total lifetime granting.  Old Bill's Fun Run's 10th anniversary had a year of records, led by more than $6.8 million raised.