An idea shared between friends became Pennsylvania’s first community foundation.
A community’s future is shaped by people who care about it. For FCFP, that story began with friendship, a new way of thinking about generosity and a $30 gift.
In 1914, Cleveland lawyer and banker Frederick H. Goff pioneered the community trust concept. The idea was simple but far-reaching: charitable gifts could be pooled and invested, creating a lasting source of support for a community.
One of Goff’s friends saw what that idea could mean for Williamsport.
An idea finds a home
James B. Krause was a Williamsport attorney and a director of Northern Central Trust Company. His work included serving as solicitor for local charitable organizations, connecting him to the people and institutions caring for his community.
Through his friendship with Goff, Krause brought the community trust concept to Northern Central. In 1915, the bank received permission to use the idea in Williamsport.
On November 20, 1916, the Williamsport Community Trust was established. It became the first community foundation in Pennsylvania and only the ninth in the nation.
A broad vision for community life
The founding resolution described a purpose that reached into many aspects of daily life: advancing education and scientific research, caring for people who were sick or aging, improving living conditions and providing opportunities for recreation.
It also stated that the Trust’s charitable work would serve the community “regardless of race, color or creed.”
From its earliest days, the vision was broad enough to respond as needs changed. Gifts entrusted to the Foundation could support the community people knew and loved, while also providing for a future they could not yet see.
The first $30
Krause found a partner in his friend James B. Graham, president of Northern Central Trust Company. The two shared a hope for Williamsport’s future and came together to make the Foundation’s first gift.
Their combined contribution was $30.
They were beginning something their neighbors could build on, a way for people who cared about Williamsport to give back and provide for its future. As others added their gifts, that generosity could grow, supporting the community for generations to come.
Today, the organization that began as the Williamsport Community Trust is First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania. Its story has grown through the gifts, hopes and commitments of many people who wanted to give something back.
Two friends. A shared hope for their community. A beginning that continues to grow today.