What is Philanthropy?
Philanthropy, by definition, means to be charitable for the betterment of mankind. We believe philanthropy means changing the world. It often satisfies a personal need for the donor, is done with passion, and takes a planned, conscious effort.
What is the Community Foundation of Greene County?
The Foundation is a nonprofit, non-political organization that has been put into place to help donors like you provide permanent financial stability to those charities and programs you wish to support within your community. It will receive and administer a permanent collection of endowed funds from many different sources with charitable purposes for the long-term benefit of Greene County.
Is the Community Foundation a new concept?
The Foundation is a new idea for Greene County, but the first community foundation was formed in 1914 by Frederick Harris Goff to provide perpetuity for charitable gifts and to create a way for donors of modest means to participate in large-scale philanthropy. Today, it is one of the fastest growing forms of philanthropy. It is estimated that over 800 community foundations across the country assist in improving the quality of life in their communities.
Who runs the Community Foundation of Greene County?
The Community Foundation's Board of Directors is made up of people from Greene County who have dedicated themselves to carrying out the wishes of donors. They will work with professional investors to ensure your funds are safe and will provide lasting benefits to the people of your community.
Why should I give my charitable donations to the Community Foundation instead of directly to the charity?
By pooling funds from many investors, the Community Foundation has the potential to command higher interest rates and lower management fees. Some types of funds within the Community Foundation even provide you with choices on how you would like your monies disbursed. The Community Foundation then continues to carry out your wishes perpetually. The Community Foundation can also redirect your gift through "variance power" should the charity cease to exist.
Will the foundation ever change a donor's instructions?
A common governing instrument called a "fund agreement" covers all gifts and funds in the community foundation. This agreement includes a "variance power" to modify the use of restricted funds if such restrictions become unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community or area served. Those are the only conditions under which a foundation modifies the terms of a gift.
Should my attorney be informed of my interest in the Community Foundation?
The fund agreements that establish donor named funds in the Community Foundation are made available to each donor during preliminary conversations with the Community Foundation's staff. However, it is always recommended that the donor's own legal and financial counselors review charitable gift plans.
What kind of donors does the Community Foundation attract?
The Community Foundation of Greene County provides giving opportunities for individual donors from the local area as well as from across the country. In addition, the Community Foundation also attracts funds from corporations, private foundations and other sources. Any individual, family, business or organization with the desire to positively impact current and emerging community needs can become involved in planned giving through the Community Foundation of Greene County.
To whom will the Community Foundation be accountable?
The Community Foundation of Greene County will file an annual return with the Internal Revenue Service, which is a publicly available document. The Community Foundation must meet annual performance standards established by the IRS to maintain its charitable status as a nonprofit 501(c)(3). However, the Foundation will be primarily accountable to the people of Greene County and must publish an annual report for public distribution.
Is there a minimum contribution?
Typically, there is no minimum contribution required. However, if a donor wishes to establish a named or designated fund, this can be accomplished by contributing $5,000 over a 3-year period.
Must all gifts be cash?
No, the Community Foundation is able to accept gifts of appreciated securities, real property, and in some cases, personal property, just to name a few.
What is the difference between the United Way and a Community Foundation?
The United Way typically makes annual distributions to its member agencies based on its fund drive proceeds. A community foundation seeks to develop a permanent source of funding for local nonprofit organizations, through the creation of endowment funds.
What is endowment?
To endow is to make a grant of money that provides for the continuing support or maintenance of a favored charity. Gifts of endowment are perpetual, since only the interest is distributed. The principal of the gift remains untouched forever.
How long will it take to establish a fund within the Community Foundation?
Establishing a fund is easy! Once the donor and appropriate counselors of the donor approve a fund agreement, the initial contribution is made and the fund is established. Generally the fund will need to be approved and accepted by the Foundation's Board of Directors at its next meeting.
Who receives grants from the Community Foundation?
IRS-designated 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations providing services within Greene County are eligible for grants. The Community Foundation has established guidelines and application processes that must be followed by grant seekers.
The information provided here is for general informational purposes only. The Community Foundation of Greene County, PA, strongly encourages you to seek counsel from a qualified legal, accounting, and/or financial advisor prior to implementing these concepts into your personal gift planning and/or philanthropic activity. For more information, please contact the Community Foundation at 724-627-2010.
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