The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation believes that informed and engaged communities are critical to healthy communities in a democracy.  Trabian Shorters, Vice President for Communities, explains that Knight "engages people and institutions in the transformational issues and opportunities of their time.  We consider the local narrative, spot important long-term trends and opportunities, then invest in the people and institutions whom we believe can make the difference. We do this with a constant eye on impact and innovation." Knight understands that community foundations can convene and inspire local stakeholders for projects that can make significant impact. In order to support that work, Knight has a strong commitment to supporting community foundations in the 26 Knight communities.  In 2003, they offered a matching grant to create endowments to support community foundation operations. Centre Foundation successfully matched more than the generous $400,000 grant from Knight. The Knight grant created this fund, and the match created the Administrative Endowment Fund. This fund, and others which support the operation of Centre Foundation, provides stewardship for the future of Centre County.   It allows Centre Foundation to provide greater funding and services to local charitable organizations, as well as enhance our services to the donor community.