Accountable to the public we serve.
Common Ground Foundation operates as a public trust. Our work is guided by an independent board of directors, reviewed by a community advisory council, and made transparent through audited financials, public filings, and plain-language reporting. We answer to the neighborhoods we partner with, the donors who fund our work, and the regulators who hold every public charity to a higher standard.
Three layers of oversight, one shared commitment.
Our governance model separates fiduciary oversight, community accountability, and day-to-day management. Each plays a distinct role in keeping Common Ground transparent, responsive, and focused on the work that matters.
The leaders who guide Common Ground.
Our board brings together expertise across public health, finance, civic leadership, law, academia, and philanthropy. Together they steward the foundation's mission and resources on behalf of the public we serve.
View the full board roster, committee assignments, and biographies on the Leadership page.
The policies that protect our public trust.
Bylaws
The governing document that defines how Common Ground operates, including board composition, meeting requirements, and amendment procedures.
Download PDFCode of Ethics
The standards of conduct we expect from board members, staff, contractors, and partners working in our name.
Download PDFConflict of Interest Policy
Annual disclosure requirements and recusal procedures that keep grantmaking and investment decisions free of personal conflict.
Download PDFWhistleblower Protection
Safe and confidential reporting mechanisms that protect anyone who raises concerns about misconduct or financial irregularities.
Download PDFDocument Retention
The schedule that governs how we manage, archive, and dispose of foundation records in line with legal and audit obligations.
Download PDFInvestment Policy
Guidelines for the mission-aligned investing of foundation assets, including responsible-investment screens and risk tolerances.
Download PDFOpen books. Independent audits. Public reporting.
Common Ground Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. EIN available on request. Donors and partners may also request supplementary financial information directly from the Board Office.
Read our latest annual report.
Our annual report walks through where we invested, what we learned, and how our partners measured impact this past year. It is written for the public, not the boardroom.