By Kirk Utzinger
President, Community Foundation of Westmoreland County

With the news of official approval for The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County (CFWC) to merge with the Pittsburgh Foundation, many constituents have wondered why a smaller foundation would want to become part of a larger foundation.

The answers are many. The benefits of the merger include shared resources, increased services for donors, staff and community partners as well as lower average administrative fees for CFWC donors, reduction of duplication and greater staff time in the community shaking the trees, not sitting behind the desks. Together, we are able to build better, stronger communities.

Aligning with a resource power-house like The Pittsburgh Foundation and its talented leaders will truly benefit Westmoreland County and expand both of our footprints to more effectively address community priorities that do not “stop at the county line.” Considering each foundation is keeping its original, unique identity and culture, the upside far outweighs the downside!

Thoughtful processes went into the planning of the merger with both foundations steadfast in the objective to preserve and promote local identity and control.

When the plan was announced in late April, I received dozens of communications expressing encouragement and support of this bold, groundbreaking move. Several Community Foundation executives have expressed interest in learning more about the process. One example was in an email from the Community Foundation of Greater Butler County, a small $1.2 million community foundation located in Andover, Kansas.

The Foundation’s President and CEO, Angie Baur, voiced support as we continue our process with the Pittsburgh Foundation and aptly remarked: “Knowing that this merger is setting an example for smaller community foundations is very rewarding. After all, isn’t that the true definition of a community foundation? Helping communities build up to reach their full potential.”

Private Foundations and regional funders have expressed support for our venture and are considering greater investment in Westmoreland County. Professional advisors are reacting positively and we are being invited into circles that we were normally overlooked. We are cautiously optimistic that The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County is “coming out” versus experiencing so-called “15 minutes of fame.”

And we are confident that this merger will make measurable impacts in Westmoreland and Alleghany communities, also benefiting similar, smaller community foundations nationwide as they consider exploring their options to merge or consolidate with regional foundations in their areas.