On Oct. 11, the Lancaster County Community Foundation announced the establishment of the High Foundation Fund at the Lancaster County Community Foundation. This new fund joins the Community Foundation's Forever Lancaster movement, which aims to build the community's philanthropic legacy.

The High Foundation Fund was established as a donor advised fund with a $65 million gift. The fund will allow S. Dale High and the High family to expand their philanthropic and community legacy and focus increased energy on creating impact in Lancaster County and beyond. Established in 1980, the High Foundation has spent the past 40 years living out the mission to improve the lives of individuals who live and work in Lancaster city, Lancaster County, and other communities where the High companies provide economic investment and employment.

Building on a long history of working together, High companies and the Lancaster County Community Foundation continue to prioritize strengthening Lancaster County for the long term. S. Dale High, chair of the High Foundation and chair emeritus of the High companies, served as board member and board chair of the Community Foundation from 2002 through 2006. His leadership spurred the organization to embrace a broader leadership role in the community and expand its purpose as a true philanthropic partner for Lancaster County.

Since that time, the High Family has established multiple funds with the Community Foundation, and the organizations have worked closely to support shared initiatives, including investments in SoWe and the Lancaster Cares COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Five years ago, High Foundation stepped into another leading role as a presenting sponsor of the Extraordinary Give. Its leadership gift, alongside funds from Rodgers & Associates and the Community Foundation, means that every dollar donated during the annual 24-hour giving day is stretched to expand the benefit to the more than 500 participating nonprofit organizations.

The High Foundation team and board, led by Robin Stauffer, will continue to play an active role and advise on how the dollars from the donor advised fund are distributed and granted. As it does with all funds, the Community Foundation will provide philanthropic expertise, an extensive understanding of the local nonprofit landscape, and administrative and technical support.

Community Foundations across the nation partner with donors to create long-term impact in their communities. Locally, businesses like Cargas Systems and Armstrong Flooring; families that establish funds like the Polite Family Community Fund and the "Next Fifty Years" Geoff and Sally Davis Fund; and more than 500 individuals, families and businesses have charitable funds of all sizes at the Lancaster County Community Foundation.