The world moves at the speed of change, and change happens at the speed of trust. The Patterson Foundation believes that philanthropy strengthens the efforts of people, organizations, and communities. Strong communities work together to achieve shared aspirations and can even thrive in the face of adversity.
Rather than having grant cycles or requests for proposals, The Patterson Foundation invests in strengthening communities. Support through the thoughtful use of assets takes time and intention. That is why we focus on helping people engage with each other, providing expertise, encouraging learning, and sharing promising practices.
The Patterson Foundation's staff and consultants would welcome the opportunity to make a presentation about the Foundation and its initiatives at one of your organization's upcoming meetings or events. Please fill out the Speaker Request Form, and we will contact you within two business days of receiving your completed form.
As illustrated below, The Patterson Foundation’s icons symbolize this approach to philanthropy and reflect this collaborative philosophy as we undertake — with joyful stewardship — philanthropic work in ways others are not doing, cannot do, or will not do.
View more videos to learn how the foundation catalyzes efforts toward shared aspirations.
Watch President and CEO Debra Jacobs explain The Patterson Foundation's approach to philanthropy
CATALYSTS FOR GOOD
The Patterson Foundation works with people, businesses, nonprofits, government, and the media to catalyze efforts toward shared aspirations through five key actions: Connecting → Learning → Sharing → Evolving → Strengthening.
(Download the one-page PDF file of the entire "Catalysts for Good" section. Or, to share an individual icon and its text, click on the icon to pull up its JPG and then right-click to save.)
Importance of Alignment
While everything collaborators do requires trust, The Patterson Foundation has learned that the alignment of five characteristics — leadership, willingness, readiness, capacity, and culture — is critical to success.
(Download the one-page PDF file of the entire "Importance of Alignment" section. Or, to share an individual icon and its text, click on the icon to pull up its JPG and then right-click to save.)
OPPORTUNITies FOR IMPACT
The Patterson Foundation capitalizes on methods to refocus efforts toward lasting impact.
(Download the PDF file of the entire "Opportunities for Impact" section. Or, to share an individual icon and its text, click on the icon to pull up its JPG and then right-click to save.)
INTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
Engaging all stakeholders — CEO/ED, board, staff, donors, and volunteers.
When we understand the "Why," we embrace the "How" and the "What."
EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS
Working together with people, businesses, nonprofits, government,
and the media to rethink obstacles and explore solutions
MOVING THE NEEDLE
(Download the one-page PDF file of the entire "Moving the Needle" section. Or, to share an individual icon and its text, click on the icon to pull up its JPG and then right-click to save.)
Finding ways for people to engage and create their desired future.
THE FIVE C’s
No matter the circumstances, The Patterson Foundation (TPF) enters each day focused on five constants that power its ability to thrive in the face of change while harnessing that change to work in new, impactful ways. This is achieved through five key actions:
Caring → Connecting → Collaborating → Contributing → Creating.
(Download the one-page PDF file of the entire "The Five C's" section. Or, to share an individual icon and its text, click on the icon to pull up its JPG and then right-click to save.)
The Phases of Disaster Recovery
The Patterson Foundation understands that the recovery process following a disaster or unexpected challenge includes three distinct phases:
Cope → Adapt → Innovate.
(Download the one-page PDF file of the entire "Phases of Disaster Recovery" section. To share an individual icon and its text, click on the icon to pull up its JPG and then right-click to save.)

Cope
Following a disaster or unexpected challenge, we first focus on ensuring our safety and addressing the immediate needs essential to survival.
STRENGTHENING PEOPLE, ORGANIZATIONS, AND COMMUNITIES
Rather than arriving with the answer, The Patterson Foundation believes that people, organizations and communities are the best architects for their own future. The foundation collaborates with these groups to strengthen efforts toward achieving shared aspirations.
(Download the one-page PDF file of the entire "Strengthening People, Organizations, and Communities" section. To share an individual icon and its text, click on the icon to pull up its JPG and then right-click to save.)