In 1978, Eugene Struckoff, a national expert on community foundations, was invited by a group of concerned citizens to investigate the possibility of endowing a community foundation for Jamestown and the surrounding area. Mr. Struckoff concluded that, although the area was smaller than what was normally desired to support a community foundation, the resident's support of existing charitable organizations led him to believe that such an effort would survive and grow.


Armed with Mr. Struckoff's findings, the initial steering committee approached the Gebbie Foundation for assistance. After reviewing the facts, the Gebbie Foundation pledged $300,000 to seed the newest member of the Jamestown foundation family.