In the spring of 2026, BTCF invited community members to participate in our Community Engagement Survey as part of our strategic planning process. Hundreds of community members shared their perspectives on the needs, opportunities, and challenges facing our region—and the role BTCF can play in helping address them. These insights are invaluable as we build our new strategic plan. Here are some key themes that have emerged from the results.
What We Heard
Housing and Economic Stability Are Top Community Concerns
Respondents identified affordable housing, food security, and economic stability as among the most pressing issues facing our region today. These concerns were remarkably consistent across different stakeholder groups and geographic areas, highlighting shared community priorities and challenges.
Respondents Value BTCF as a Community Connector
While grantmaking remains central to our mission, respondents also emphasized the importance of BTCF's role as a connector, advocate, and trusted source of community information. Many highlighted the value of bringing people together, fostering collaboration, and helping build stronger connections across the region. We also heard that there are opportunities to increase awareness of BTCF's work and engage a broader cross-section of the community.
Nonprofits Emphasized the Importance of Flexible Support
Nonprofit partners consistently highlighted the value of flexible funding, streamlined grant processes, and capacity-building support. Respondents also emphasized the important role that general operating support can play in helping organizations respond to emerging needs, strengthen their operations, and build long-term sustainability. For donors, this feedback underscores the importance of investing not only in programs, but also in the strength and resilience of the organizations working every day to serve our communities.
Strong Trust in BTCF's Work
Across stakeholder groups, respondents reported overwhelmingly positive experiences with BTCF and expressed strong confidence in BTCF’s stewardship, relationships, and commitment to the community. Whether donors, grantees, scholarship recipients, committee members, or community partners, respondents shared positive perceptions of their experiences with BTCF.
What Happens Next
The survey surfaced many important ideas, needs, and opportunities. While BTCF alone cannot solve every challenge identified in the survey results, we have learned so much, and we are actively using this feedback to shape the priorities in our new strategic plan. Community perspectives are critical to our planning and decision-making, and they help ensure that our work remains grounded in the needs and opportunities of the region we serve.
We are currently in the latter stages of developing the new plan. This fall, we will complete the process, and before year’s end we will be excited to share BTCF’s new strategic road map with all of you.
We are grateful to every person who contributed their perspective and experience, which is helping us better understand our community's strengths, challenges, and aspirations.
