Advisor FAQs

Below is a list of common questions about the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana. If you have additional questions, please contact Linda Speed at (812) 948-4662).

What is the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana? What do you do?

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit that helps people just like you support all of your charitable interests by helping you create a customized, personal fund. It’s easy, and all of our endowed funds are carefully invested to ensure your generosity will last for generations.

How is the Foundation different from a private foundation?

Private foundations have one donor who puts the money in, and directs how and to whom grants are distributed. One fund with one donor’s intention. The Community Foundation is a collection of over 230 funds, each with its own unique purpose, and our job is to oversee and administer each of those funds in accordance with the donor’s intent. And, tax laws are more favorable to community foundations.

How is the Foundation different from other NPOs?

While most nonprofits are very specific, mission-driven organizations, the Foundation’s mission is broader – we can help you support all of your charitable interests, whether they are health and human services, arts and culture, the environment, education or religious causes. You’re able to make one gift and support many causes. We don’t ask you to support our mission – rather, we’re here to help you support whatever causes are important to you.

Why should someone give through the Foundation?

We can craft your unique charitable fund in a way that it will forever honor your charitable intent. You can do much more through a fund here than with an outright donation towards a single mission. And leaving your lasting legacy through a fund at the Foundation is simple and impacts your favorite causes for generations.

Can family members be involved in a Community Foundation Fund?

Children, grandchildren, siblings or other trusted individuals may be named to the fund’s advisory committee. When the advisory period ends, the fund will perpetually support your clients’ specific charitable interests.

Can fund distributions be anonymous?

Yes, every grant can be made anonymously, or on a grant-by-grant basis.

How does a supporting organization work with the Community Foundation?

A supporting organization is a part of the Community Foundation’s organizational structure, yet it is separately incorporated with its own board of directors and investment control. Clients and their family members may serve on the board, and grants do not require Community Foundation approval. This can be an effective arrangement for a client who has significant sums to contribute and wants the independence of a private foundation with the administrative assistance of the Community Foundation.

Can someone other than the Foundation manage investment of my client’s funds?

Yes, a client may recommend the services of an investment advisor of their choosing, provided that the investment advisor is approved by our board and complies with our investment policies.

How much can my client’s fund give away?

The Community Foundation spending rate may vary depending on the year and can be found on our website under Policies. Your client may recommend a rate greater or less than the Foundation’s current rate, assuming they contribute at least $500,000 to a new endowment fund. For more information please contact Linda Speed at (812) 948-4662.

What services does the Foundation provide?

The Foundation staff provides all the planning to help you create your fund, including drafting the fund agreement that governs the terms and conditions of your gift. All IRS reporting and fund accounting, as well as performing the required due diligence on your requested grants is provided. If desired, we can also provide you with information on area non-profits, causes, and issues that you want to learn more about. We can provide you with complete anonymity for all or certain grants from your fund, if you wish. All of these services are covered by the Foundation’s basic administrative fee.

Why does the Community Foundation charge fees?

An administrative fee is nothing more than an investment you’re making in the Foundation that allows it to administer your fund and support the work we do in our community. Your fee allows us to: provide a tax deduction, insure compliance with ever-changing laws, provide transparent fund accounting, process gifts and grants, provide community leadership, and manage endowment investments. Unlike when you invest with a large, national company, your fee stays here in the community. We know the needs of this community and you help us provide leadership and support on important local issues and we work every day to ensure your fund does what you want it do. And that’s a wise investment!

How does the Foundation invest the funds?

The Community Foundation uses a professional investment manager who abides by our investment policy and commitment to our donors that their funds will last in perpetuity. We invest your endowed funds in a manner designed to keep pace with inflation and allow the fund to grow over time – 10, 50, 100 years from now, your fund will be providing a growing stream of revenue for your favorite causes.

What are the minimum amounts for setting up a fund at the Community Foundation?

The minimum amount to establish a donor-advised can be as small as $1,000. The minimum investment to establish an endowed fund is $15,000

How quickly can a fund be set up?

A fund can be set up in one or two days. The process is very simple, and we need only to have a signed fund agreement from your client to set up a new fund. The fund will be formally established and available for grantmaking after charitable gifts have been transferred to the Community Foundation. To begin the process, contact Linda Speed at (812) 948-4662.

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