The Living Story of the Everett Beauregard Foundation

Where paths cross, possibilities are fostered and futures take shape

Chapter 4: Small and Nimble

When you start a foundation, you inevitably find yourself comparing it to other nonprofits. It's easy to look at organizations that have been around for decades, backed by major corporate support, and wonder how you'll ever measure up.

Then one day, one of those organizations says something that changes your perspective: "Don't underestimate the impact of a small, nimble foundation."

Small foundations can move resources quickly. They can respond to emerging needs without the layers of process and administrative burden that often come with larger funders.

And suddenly, being exactly who you are in this moment feels like enough. In fact, it feels like an advantage.

Research supports these advantages:

• Smaller foundations can align resources with real-time community needs rather than annual planning cycles.

• Smaller foundations can focus more energy on mission delivery rather than grant administration.

• Smaller Foundations are better positioned to support smaller, newer, and more innovative organizations that may be overlooked by larger funders.

• The underlying benefit is not the grant size itself, but the trust placed in community organizations.

The Everett Beauregard Foundation embraces the advantage of being small. Nimbleness allows us to move quickly, reduce barriers, and invest in organizations that are creating belonging, opportunity, and connection for young people across Philadelphia. Sometimes the most meaningful philanthropy is simply showing up when support is needed most.

Legacy in Action

The aggregate story 

This is why supporting young campers with swim supplies was so meaningful this summer. We were able to respond immediately to a simple but important need, providing campers with the essentials they needed to fully participate in the experience.

There was something especially rewarding about knowing we were helping create opportunities for summer fun. Shared experiences, laughter, and memorable moments are often where community is built, and it felt good to play a small part in making those moments possible.

Thank you to the Wright Recreation Center for identifying the need and giving the Everett Beauregard Foundation the opportunity to help.

It's partnerships like these that allow us to make a tangible difference when and where it's needed most.

The Story behind the story

We have marked 4 years since Everett was killed. 

Time has been both a blessing and a curse. The curse is obvious: every passing year is another year without Everett. The blessing is that each passing year gives us another year to see his influence ripple outward through friendships, family, community, and the work that continues in his name.