Frequently Asked Questions

The Community Foundation is a granting organization that funds other non-profits' programs and services through an application process.

The Community Foundation is a "collection" of permanent endowments designed to meet all a donor's individualized charitable goals through one simple vehicle.

The Community Foundation was established in 1987.

We derive our assets from many donors rather than one, have broad charitable purposes and a demographically diverse, non-compensated Board of Trustees. Because we are a public charity, we receive more favorable tax treatment, do not pay excise taxes on income, and have more flexibility in our operating ability.

No, we are a resource for them. We hold many of their endowment funds, work to develop their assets, and make grants to their institutions.

Management and Investment of Dollars

Facilitating the Grants Program and Ensuring Accountability

Acknowledging and Receipting Contributions

Allowing 24/7 on-line access to financial reports to fundholders

Staffing of Advisory Committees

Fund Stewardship and Audit Services

Handling all Governmental Reporting Requirements 

Providing Planned Giving Expertise

Public Relations and Marketing Initiatives

Individuals, Non-Profit Organizations,Corporations, Municipalities, Schools, Private Foundations, Michigan Associations or Groups with a Common Purpose

Undesignated Funds
Donor Advised Funds
Donor Designated Funds
Agency (non-profit organization) Funds
Field-of-Interest Funds (with or without an advisory committee)

In general, contributions made to the Community Foundation are not spent -- they are invested for growth. Five percent of a fund's assets, averaged over 12 rolling quarters, are available for spending. As the corpus grows, so too does the amount available to spend or grant.

By agreement, both principal and income may be expended from a non-permanent fund.  A non-permanent fund is held in money market and other short-term investments.  Per the State of Michigan gifts to non-permanent funds held at Community Foundations are not qualified for the Michigan Tax Credit.

The Foundation's assets are invested in a diversified portfolio which includes exposure to domestic and foreign equities and fixed income.  Investments are overseen by an investment committee utilizing expertise from professional money managers and an independent consultant and are reviewed on a quarterly basis.

2011--> (3.37%)

2010 --> 11.3%

2009 --> 24.5%

2008 --> (26.5%)

2007 --> 5.79% 

2006 --> 11.60%

2005 --> 4.47%

2004 --> 8.65%

2003 --> 20.68%

2002 -->(13.58%)

2001 --> (5.8%)

2000 --> (1.2%)

1999 --> 13.8%

1998 --> 13.8%

1997 --> 16.8%

1996 --> 14.5%

1995 --> 20.0%

Fund contributions become assets of the Community Foundation and, as such, are under the control of the Board of Trustees. The Community Foundation is organized for charitable purposes and should not be confused with a bank or an investment service. Fund distributions receive Board approval and, except in extraordinary circumstances, the principal of a permanently endowed fund is not invaded.

There are over 375 funds, with new funds established on a regular basis.

501(c)(3) Non-Profits, Tax exempt schools, churches, and governmental entities.

This number grows as the value and number of endowments grow, but current annual granting is over three million dollars.

The Community Foundation's assets are worth over 63 million dollars as of December 31, 2011.

Primarily from fees charged to funds. The fees range from 1% to 2% of a fund's assets computed annually, but no less than $100 per year, per fund.

An independent audit is conducted yearly.  Currently, the auditing firm is Maner, Costerisan & Ellis, PC. The following documents are available upon request, and are also available on our website, under "Resources":   Form 990, Form 990-T (if applicable), application for tax-exempt status (Form 1023), IRS Determination Letter, Audited Financial Statements.   Excluding specific donor and personnel information, the financial records of the Capital Region Community Foundation are public.

In addition to the hallmark functions of grantmaking, donor services and community leadership, the Community Foundation is committed to building a stronger community through youth development. We take particular pride in our YAC (Youth Action Committee) -- a youth advisory committee to the Board of Trustees. These young people, ranging in age from 13 to 18, represent approximately fourteen school districts and are committed to community service, philanthropy, and volunteerism. They are fast becoming the voice of area youth in community planning.