Our

History

Since 1997, we’ve been a steady hand, helping the region grow from within.

two women in front of mountain scene

Building the Foundation

In 1995, Fred Brown and Meredith Prime, serving on the Board of Lake Placid Education Foundation (LPEF), identified the need for an organization to encourage more giving and philanthropy in the Adirondack region. Two years later, they founded Adirondack Community Trust, which has grown from an initial $2 million grant from LPEF into a regional leader and philanthropic powerhouse.

In the years since, the organization has changed its name twice — to Adirondack Foundation, in 2014, and to Adirondack Community Foundation, in 2025. Along the way it has grown its staff, assets, and impact. Its capabilities have grown from a neutral “philanthropic bank” to a civic leader and catalyst.

graphic showing four growth stages, from manager of philantrhopic funds to general ad-hoc supporter to intentional convener to civic leader and catalyst.