Community foundations are built to respond to need, but what happens when listening reveals that traditional grantmaking alone isn’t enough? In this session, leaders from the Scranton Area Community Foundation will share how they have reimagined their approach to community impact through a more flexible, tailored, and community-informed model. This evolution began with a redesigned, open Letter of Inquiry (LOI) process which removed rigid deadlines, reduced barriers for applicants, and created space for real-time, honest insight into emerging needs. What followed was not just a shift in process, but a fundamental change in how resources are deployed. Grantmaking now looks different; we provide: creation or growth of endowments, multi-year operational and capacity-building grants, and funding aligned with timing and organizational realities. The Foundation has also introduced impact investing tools, such as short-term bridge loans, to address cash flow gaps and expand the continuum of capital beyond grants. Internally, this approach is supported by more adaptive governance and decision-making structures, including biweekly Distribution Committee meetings, ongoing dialogue with applicants, and the use of site visits and direct engagement to better understand context and opportunity. Participants will gain practical insight into how this model allows for: - More responsive and equitable access to funding - Better alignment between community need and funding tools - A shift from transactional grantmaking to long-term partnership This session offers candid lessons on moving from a reactive approach to one that is proactive, flexible, and better equipped to meet the complexity of today’s challenges.