Evolving With Our Community
Q & A with Jon Landon, Chair, Board of Directors
Jon Landon is an attorney with Shuttleworth & Ingersoll, P.L.C. and is serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors in 2024. He answered a few questions about his service on the Board, the unique role of the Community Foundation, and its importance to Linn County.
Q:Tell us about how you began your service at the Community Foundation.
A: As an attorney, I work a lot with both local nonprofit organizations as well as individuals and businesses that are interested in charitable tax planning, so I was familiar with the Community Foundation and held it in high regard as an important intersection point for our community’s nonprofits and donors. Needless to say, I was very honored when some clients and colleagues nominated me to join the board.
Q:You’ve been on the Board of Directors for five years now; what has that experience been like for you?
A:My experience has been great. I have learned so much not only about the Community Foundation, which is blessed with a tremendous staff and a small army of committed and respected volunteer board and committee members, but also about our community and the nonprofit organizations that make our community so special. It has been privilege for me to learn from and work alongside so many thoughtful, talented, and passionate staff and board members.
Q:Why do you think the Community Foundation is important in Linn County?
A: It is hard to pick one thing here, because the Community Foundation plays such unique and multifaceted roles. The one defining feature that I like to call out that folks may not realize is the permanent yet flexible nature of the Greater Good Fund. This unrestricted endowment is significant because it provides annual funding that can be used to best meet the current needs of the community. This allows charitable gifts from years gone by to adapt with the community as it grows, and our grantmaking process provides nonprofits with equitable access to philanthropic resources.
Q: The Community Foundation is creating a new strategic plan this year; what do you look forward to as that plan is developed and implemented?
A: I am looking forward to getting feedback from the community, staff and fellow board members about where we are as an organization and how we can continue to grow and impact the community in a positive way. Personally, I am excited about working to expand the base of donors to the next generation and to folks who may not be familiar with the Community Foundation.
Q: We know the Community Foundation is an organization that looks at the long view of our community. As we celebrate 75 years of serving Linn County this year, what do you think people can expect from the organization over the next 75 years?
A: That is a great question. I have no idea what the organization will look like over the next 75 years, but I am confident of two things: the Community Foundation will be present in 75 years and it will be able to provide funding for the current needs of the community as it exists in 75 years—which is pretty cool. This organization was built by and belongs to the people of this community, so we have the opportunity to ensure it remains the resource we need it to be. To anyone who likes the sound of that, I encourage you to reach out and find ways to get involved—we would love to hear from you!
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