Welcome to the High Foundation Fund
$65 million will benefit Lancaster County for generations
We are honored to announce 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 is building our community’s philanthropic legacy.
The High Foundation Fund was established as a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) with a $65,000,000 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. A visionary by nature, Dale High’s commitment to people and place is the driving force for his success as an entrepreneur and philanthropist – a commitment shared by his family and fulfilled through the High Foundation. Established in 1980, the High Foundation has spent the past 40 years living out their mission to improve the lives of individuals who live and work in Lancaster City, 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 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 their 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 Lancaster Cares Covid-19 Relief Fund.
Five years ago, High Foundation stepped into another leading role as a Presenting Sponsor of the Extraordinary Give. Their leadership gift alongside 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.
Lancaster, PA photographer Eric Forberger
“We believe the Extraordinary Give is an important way to inspire more giving across Lancaster County,” explains Robin Stauffer, Executive Director at the High Foundation. “We hope the High Foundation Fund at the Community Foundation will encourage others to consider how they can invest in Lancaster County not only for today, but also for the future.”
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 they do with all funds, the Community Foundation will provide philanthropic expertise, deep understanding of the local nonprofit landscape, and administrative and technical support.
“The Community Foundation is humbled to work in partnership with the High Foundation in this new way. We are honored to be able to amplify the generosity, vision, and legacy of S. Dale High and continue to support the High Family legacy. This new connection creates a transformational opportunity for Lancaster County and will stand as an enduring example of long-term commitment to our community for generations,” said Sam Bressi, CEO of Lancaster County Community Foundation.
Community Foundations across the nation serve a unique role in partnering with donors to create long-term impact in their communities. Locally, businesses like Cargas Systems and Armstrong Flooring; families 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.
