FOR
NONPROFITS
Community Foundation of White County
Your Community Foundation of White County believes that committed, well-resourced nonprofits are key components of a strong community – and we’re here to help.
Your Community Foundation of White County believes that committed, well-resourced nonprofits are key components of a strong community – and we’re here to help.
Your Community Foundation of White County believes that committed, well-resourced nonprofits are key components of a strong community – and we’re here to help.
Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.
Booker T. Washington
For churches, schools, social service agencies, and other nonprofits, CFWC offers a number of resources – including agency endowments and an outstanding series of board education workshops through The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette.
AGENCY ENDOWMENTS
An agency endowment with CFWC can provide an annual source of income to help you achieve your mission.
Advantages include:
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It is an excellent way for board members and friends closest to the organization to support both its present and future. Gifts may be made at any time, in any amount, and are tax deductible at the highest levels allowed.
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The fund is invested in a larger pool of assets, which can lead to greater growth, greater income, and lower investment fees.
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The community foundation handles investment management and oversight, all accounting and financial reporting, and the annual audit.
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All gifts to the fund are designated for the organization’s use only. While co-mingled for investment, your organization’s funds will not be used for other purposes.
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CFWC sends your organization an annual fund statement containing information on the fund’s activities.
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Your organization receives an annual distribution according to the Community Foundation’s Investment and Spending Policy; current distribution provides for 4.75% of the fund’s 3-year trailing average.
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CFWC acknowledges all donors for their gifts, using appropriate tax-related language; it also informs your organization, with the donor’s approval, of all gifts (without amounts) received.
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Your nonprofit’s endowment fund receives exposure in CFWC’s Annual Report, reaching more – and perhaps different – donors than those on its current list. CFWC donors may designate their gifts to your organization’s fund at any time.
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A fund offers donors a simple, meaningful way to memorialize or honor someone who values your organization. It also can inspire legacy gifts through donors’ estates.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
CFWC is an excellent vehicle for developing an organization’s endowment with maximum advantage. A few items to consider include:
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CFWC invest endowment funds with both growth and grants in mind. An agency should expect long-term growth and a reasonable return but not wildly speculative risk or unusually high income.
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The IRS requires that funds within a community foundation be considered assets of the foundation. For auditing purposes, per federal accounting standards, funds established using organization assets show the amount in the fund both as an asset and liability on the Foundation’s audit and as an asset on the organization’s audit. Funds donated by others (public donors) to the organization’s fund are the Foundation’s assets.
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While all gifts to the endowment are restricted only for use by the organization, and it receives distributions each year, an agency may not:
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spend the principal at will;
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remove the funds from the foundation unilaterally; or
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direct how assets in the endowment fund are invested.
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Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.
Booker T. Washington
BOARD EDUCATION RESOURCES
Key to the success of any nonprofit organization is a well-informed staff and board of directors. To that end, CFWC provides information and connection to resources that may be helpful – including websites and educational workshops.
Douglas Eberle Board Governance Series was established in 2008 by The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette to strengthen and sustain nonprofit boards in Tippecanoe and the surrounding counties.
The purpose of the program is to build knowledge about responsible oversight and governance, as well as effective responses to policy and management issues faced by today’s nonprofit volunteer leaders. It is jointly sponsored by NCHS, United Way of Greater Lafayette, and The Community Foundation.
I don’t know what your destiny will be, but the only thing I know: the only ones among you who will really be happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.
Albert Schweitzer