CHANGING CONTEXT

The F.B. Heron Foundation opened its doors for business with the explicit mission of helping people and communities to help themselves. Over time, our programs have evolved to focus on asset building and wealth creation opportunities as a means of helping families take control over their lives and make decisions for themselves.

Much has changed in the world since we got started. A partial list of issues barely on the radar screen in 1992 includes: globalization; dynamic patterns of immigration; access to health care; new technology and tele-communications (no email back then!); gentrification; climate change; churning in the financial services sector; predatory lending; and record foreclosure rates.

What has not changed during this time is our resolve to deploy the Foundation's resources as effectively as possible to advance positive impact on the lives of people in the communities we care about. The Heron Foundation’s Board has adopted a set of core values and these principles continue to guide Heron’s work. The hallmarks of these values are: providing core support to organizations that can demonstrate impact; making investments to advance the Foundation’s mission; and emphasizing customer service by being responsive through courteous, timely, respectful, and clear communications.