Living in Brookline and working in Brookline - I do admittedly spend a lot of time thinking about Brookline. Recently, I was prowling the halls of my neighborhood public school while waiting to pick up my kids, and someone said to me "I didn't know you work for the Community Foundation. I just saw your name on the letterhead of the recent appeal letter. What is the difference between the Brookline Foundation and the Brookline Community Foundation? It is confusing?". And I replied "I know...it is confusing. But, it doesn't have to be!" So - I came up with this list of reasons why BCF is excellent - and it might just help explain how it differs from all those other wonderful groups out there working to make Brookline special: 1. BCF inspires investment in our town. We work to help you give where you live - through financial donations, time, or expertise. We nurture your commitment and connection to the community. 2. BCF raises awareness of community needs. We bring groups together to discuss community needs, raise awareness, and find solutions. 3. BCF stregnthens and sustains local nonprofits, organizations, and initiatives. We provide vital organizational and administrative support to our local non profits. 4. BCF connets neighbor to neighbor. We focus on equity in the community, working to make every individual in Brookline feel part of the whole. 5. BCF creates and opportunity for you. We pool donations to leverage the greatest impact possible across the community. 6. BCF addresses the issues you care about. Your time, talent, and donations can be directed to education, the arts, social services, environmental issues, or other concerns you help us identify in the community. 7. BCF provides you with direction and local expertise. Our professional staff and committed Board analyze and monitor the issues, opportunities,?and resources that shape Brookline. So, I spend my time thinking BCF and what it means to our community. I live in Brookline for many reasons - and think it's a great place to live and raise a family. What concerns you in the community? What do you spend your time thinking about?