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Adams Trust offers trustees flexibility to link mental health, the arts and stronger communities

Making a Difference

Adams Trust offers trustees flexibility to link mental health, the arts and stronger communities

Shortly before his death in 1999, Charles Francis Adams visited the trustees of his foundation and informed them that he had completed his philanthropic obligations.  He wished to pass the mantle and urged them to continue the foundation's work by supporting good organizations and leaders. And with that, the former CEO of Raytheon Company and direct descendent of two U.S. Presidents, left a substantial, yet flexible and somewhat daunting legacy. Read More

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Welcome to SmartLink!    
A service of The Community Giving Resource

SmartLink (formerly communitygivingresource.org) is your one-stop-shop for free and useful ideas and insights, created just for donors, foundation trustees and others who give locally, to neighborhoods and communities.  SmartLink solves your toughest giving problem:   it helps you learn who is building strong communities, what is working to make a difference, and how to connect your giving (whether modest or substantial) to the most effective ideas and projects. 

Connect, with just a few clicks!

Among the treasures you will find here are candid profiles of donors and small foundations from all over the country, making a difference on a range of issues in their communities . With a few clicks on the left navigation menu, you can search briefs and tools focused on six key issues—including Housing, Education, Health and Wellness and Healthy Environments.

Don't stop there, drill deeper to explore action- and results-oriented topics and strategies.  We won't tell you where to give; instead, SmartLink makes your giving smarter and more focused on making a difference.   Please note:  CGR is not a grantmaker.

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Facts & Figures

  • In 2004, only 43% of poor single mothers (with custody of their children) received child support. 
  • 75% of the world's energy is consumed in urban areas
  • More than 200 cities are engaged in climate protection activities in the US
  • As most elderly people are covered by Medicare, nearly all the uninsured are under age 65