For more than a century, community foundations in the United States have helped chart the philanthropic future of their own regional constituencies. On the anniversary of the foundation concept, a pair of Sarasota leaders was at the White House discussing what role organizations will play in the nation’s coming days.

President Barack Obama, in collaboration with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, on Tuesday hosted more than 100 community foundation leaders in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of The Cleveland Foundation, an Ohio-based organization that established the model for community foundations across the county. 

“This convening was all about transforming lives in our communities,” said Teri A. Hansen, President and CEO of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.  “We are interested in promoting new ventures that benefit our communities as well as provide a financial return.” 

The guest list also included Roxie Jerde, president of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Other Florida leaders represented the Miami and Tampa Bay areas.

In a statement, President Obama said community foundations were powerful examples of American innovation. “By offering critical support and new opportunities in communities of all sizes—from remote towns to bustling cities and tribal nations—they bring comfort and care to those in need and instill in community members a sense that they can help improve the world around them,” Obama said in the statement. “Community foundations promote accountability and effectiveness in charitable giving, and the investments these organizations make today help find solutions that will shape the nation we leave to our daughters and sons.”

Hansen said the convening of leaders drove in to her how important it is that foundations take on leadership roles in guiding communities to a stronger future.

“Impact investing works well when public and private organizations invest together to generate measurable results,” she said. “It reaffirmed for me that Gulf Coast should continue to focus on impact investing as the most effective way to keep our region vital.”