Supporting Organizations
A supporting organization is a separate legal entity with its own board, its own bylaws, etc. However, it enjoys the status of a public charity due to its close connection with The Community Foundation, a connection that is similar to a subsidiary of a corporation.
The Community Foundation elects the board of directors of the supporting organization. It can be said that a supporting organization operates under the Community Foundation's "umbrella." Through a supporting organization, donors receive the benefits and services of the Foundation while maintaining a separate board of directors that manages the organization's grantmaking, investments, and other functions.