What is a community foundation?
A community foundation allows local donors to create individual funds or to pool their money to create a local endowment to benefit their region for the long-term. Using the endowment, foundations make grants to support local nonprofits and programs and to fulfill their donors’ charitable wishes. All donations to the Valley Community Foundation are tax-deductible.
Who creates funds at the Valley Community Foundation?
People who want to make a difference in their community. Most are set up by individuals and families with a connection to the Valley. Like you, they want to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, create opportunities for children, celebrate the arts and support new ideas and programs.
If I create a fund at the Valley Community Foundation, may I support charities and projects outside of the Valley?
Yes, if you set up a donor advised or designated fund you will have the opportunity to make grants anywhere in the United States.
What is the relationship between the Valley Community Foundation and The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven?
The Valley Community Foundation is affiliated with The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (TCF). TCF provides us with more than $1 million annually to support staff and grantmaking. We also benefit from TCF’s financial and investment expertise, programming and development knowledge. This relationship provides the Valley Community Foundation with a support structure that frees our Board of Directors to focus on leadership and development.
Why give through the Valley Community Foundation?
Our local expertise and sound fiscal management ensure your philanthropy will have a major long-term impact. When you give through the Foundation, you only need to write one check to receive an immediate tax deduction and make grants for years to come. Our knowledge about the community’s changing needs will help you better serve the organizations and interest areas you care about.
How does the Valley Community Foundation invest its funds?
Our funds are managed by TCF’s well respected Investment Committee and are overseen by our Chief Financial Officer. The investment strategy seeks to provide a predictable and increasing amount of community support while maintaining the endowment’s purchasing power over time. To achieve these goals, TCF uses a total return approach to endowment management, and has implemented disciplined and integrated spending and investment policies.
How does a nonprofit receive help from the Valley Community Foundation?
The Valley Community Foundation welcomes grant requests from area nonprofits through several competitive processes. The Valley Community Foundation also manages the endowments of several Valley nonprofits. In addition, technical assistance is offered through workshops and other offerings, including the online knowledge and giving resource, giveGreater.org®.
