The first Community Foundation was established 1914 in Cleveland USA.  In the early 1980s they spread to the UK and in 2000 the Manukau Community Foundation (MCF) started operating in New Zealand. 

The Community Foundation movement is supported by a number of active national and global networks.

Manukau Community Foundation was a founding member of the New Zealand Community Foundations network which also includes community foundations in Ashburton, Buller, Hawke's Bay, Nelson, Northland, Opotiki, Porirua, Rotorua, Tauranga, Timaru and Wellington.

Auckland Communities Foundation is also a full member of Philanthropy NZ joining 96 other organisations committed to building generosity in New Zealand and maintaining high standards of granting and fundraising.

Globally, there are more than 1, 440 Community Foundations worldwide with US$54bn under management and these are supported by national and regional peak bodies and international organisations such as WINGS (Worldwide Initiative for Grantmaker Support).