FAQs

Q: When does this policy become effective?
A: This policy is effective January 14, 2022.

Q: What is the aim of the grantmaking policy?
A: Our grantmaking policy aims to prevent CFWM from inadvertently funding organizations that are involved in hateful and discriminatory activities by establishing a set of guidelines and adding steps in our grant review process that help to identify these organizations.

Q: How does the Community Foundation define hateful and discriminatory activities?
A: Hateful and discriminatory activities are defined as activities that incite or engage in violence, intimidation, harassment, threats, or defamation targeting an individual or group based on their actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, immigration status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Q: Is this some type of political statement or an infringement on free speech?
A: CFWM respects the rights of each person to express support for the causes they care about. This policy does not attempt to interfere or regulate the political ideals of a donor or fund advisor, nor is this policy striving to align CFWM’s work with a political platform. Rather, it is designed to uphold the CFWM’s commitment to strengthen communities and not cause harm. The Grantmaking Policy is designed to safeguard against any CFWM grants funding organizations promoting or participating in violence, intimidation, harassment, threats, or defamation that target federally protected individuals and groups. CFWM is accountable for every grant it makes, and those types of activities go against our mission and vision.

Q: How does the Community Foundation evaluate potential grantee organizations for hateful and discriminatory activities?
A: The implementation of the policy includes an updated review process and increased communication with grantees.

• With each grant, grantee organizations will be notified that by accepting the grant they are confirming adherence to our new grantmaking and existing anti-discrimination policies.
• At a minimum, grantee organizations will be checked for good standing with the IRS as well as against the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Hate List. If additional research is necessary, this will be conducted by a third-party research contractor.
• If research identifies questionable activities, the evidence will be presented to a review committee made up of CFWM Trustees, Distribution Committee and staff who will determine if an organization is in violation of a CFWM policy.
• If the review process delays the grant process, the fund advisor will be informed. The fund advisor may wait until the review committee comes to a decision or may rescind recommendation at that point.
• The advisor will be notified of review committee’s approval or declination promptly.

Q: How long will the entire review process take?
A: At this time, we anticipate very few recommendations will require additional steps. Our goal is to keep delays to a minimum, hopefully less than 10 business days. As with any new process, we plan to regularly evaluate and adjust as needed.

Q: How will the Community Foundation gather feedback and evaluate efficacy of the policy and its implementation?
A: Process revisions will be ongoing. We will notify fund advisors of any and all substantive changes made to the policy or review process. CFWM will gather feedback from staff and fund advisors after a year of implementation at a minimum.

Q: Who do I contact with questions?
A: We want to hear from you, so please email us at wmass@communityfoundation.org and we will respond promptly.

Q: Whom does the Foundation fund? 
A: Nonprofit, public benefit organizations with evidence of tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Q: What if a group is not a 501(c)(3) organization?
A: Those group who are not 501(c)(3) organizations who are doing charitable work can seek funding for a project through a fiscal sponsor. These arrangements must be approved by the Foundation before funds can be requested. If a grant request is awarded, the 501(c)(3) organization serving as the fiscal sponsor must agree to the terms of the award and they will receive the funding. For more information on the Foundation’s requirements for organizations applying through a fiscal sponsor click here.

Note: The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts does not serve as a fiscal sponsor.

Q: What are the available grant programs?
A: Click here to view our Grants Program Overview. We also have a Scholarship and Loan program for individuals. Click here to learn more about this program. We offer funding opportunities at various times throughout the year. To receive updates on these opportunities. Click   to be added to our nonprofit mailing list.  We also encourage organizations to check out our website regularly.

Q: Can an organization request more than one grant in a calendar year?
A: Yes.

Q: Can an organization submit more than one application to a particular grant program? 
A: Please contact a Program Officer to discuss before submitting a second application to a program.

Q: How do I submit an application? 
A: All applications are submitted electronically through our grants portal.  To access the grants portal login page please click

Q: Can a paper application be submitted instead of those that are online?
A: The Foundation has moved to an online application process. We can serve you better with the online process and do require an online application for all grant programs. To allow for any technical or computer issues, you may want to get started with the application early. We also recommend that when you set up your user name and password for the first time that you do it during our regular business hours in case you need assistance.

Q: What is the process for the Foundation’s final grant report? 
A: The terms of all Foundation grant awards include the submission of a final grant report upon completion of a grant. Reporting requirements vary depending on the funding opportunity.  A typical grant report would include information on funded activities and short-term outcomes along with how funds were expended. Once the grant report is submitted a Foundation Program Officer will review it. The Program Officer either approves the grant report or contacts the grantee for additional or missing information.

Q: Do you provide multi-year funding? 
A: Yes, on a limited basis.  Presently most of our grant programs provide funding for one year (or less).  We do expect this to change as we more fully implement our strategic plan.

Q: How will I be contacted to learn the outcome of my application?
A: Funding decisions will be sent by email.

Q: If our proposal does not get funded, can I learn why?
A: We endeavor to be responsive to questions from applicants. If you have questions about your application or would like feedback, please contact the appropriate Program Officer.

Q: What is the process to apply for loans?
A: We are pleased to offer a streamlined, online application for students who wish to apply for loans. The online loan application opens November 1, 2024  and closes at noon (12 PM), November 15, 2024.

Q: Can I apply for scholarships and loans through the same applications?
A: No. There are separate applications and deadlines for scholarships and loans.

Q: What if I don’t have internet access or a computer at home to submit the online application?
A: We recommend contacting a local library, community center, employment agency, or senior center to determine if you are eligible to use the free or minimal cost public use computer terminals. If you’re unable to access a computer with internet service, please contact us at scholar@communityfoundation.org at least one week prior to the close of the application.

Q: Can I reapply for an interest-free loan?
A: Students can reapply for an interest-free loan each year they are attending an accredited U.S. postsecondary institution or program. Students are eligible to receive up to four, $3,000 ($12,000 total) loans throughout their studies.

Q: What is a FAFSA and where is it available?
A: FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s the first step in determining a student’s eligibility for federal, state and sometimes college financial assistance. There is no charge to complete this document. Go to www.fafsa.gov to begin the process.

Q: What is a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS), formerly the Student Aid Report (SAR)?
A: Upon completion of the FAFSA, the student will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) (formerly known as the Student Aid Report (SAR)). The FSS is a document providing basic information about a student’s eligibility for federal student aid as well as the answers to other questions on the FAFSA. A student usually receives this document electronically. The FSS is several pages long. Be sure to provide us with the entire document (typically between 10 and 22 pages) and not just the confirmation page.

Q: Do I have to write an essay for the loan application?
A: There is no essay requirement for an interest-free educational loan.

Q: Where do I have to live to be eligible for an interest-free educational loan?
A: Students who are eligible to receive the James Colgan Loan must be Massachusetts residents. Students who qualify for the Margrit H.
Sutton-Annen loan must reside in Franklin, Hampshire, or Hampden County.

Q: Are part-time students eligible?
A: Yes. Unless otherwise noted in the interest-free loan descriptions, full-time and part-time students pursuing higher education at an U.S. accredited institution or program are eligible for loans.

Q: Are loans available to graduate students?
A: Yes. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for interest-free loans, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Q: Do I have to attend a college or university in Massachusetts?
A: No. Interest-free loans are awarded to eligible students enrolled in any U.S. accredited institution or program unless otherwise noted in the description for the interest-free loan.

Q: How are recipients selected?
A: Staff determine eligible recipients of interest-free loans.

Q: When are decisions made, and when will I find out if I received an award?
A: Decisions regarding loans will be made within two weeks after the application closes.

Q: How do I receive my interest-free loan award?
A: Interest-free loans are paid directly to you once you have completed the necessary steps and paperwork. More information about our interest-free loan process can be found here.

Q: What if I withdraw or only attend one semester in an academic year?
A: We will address this situation on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Can I apply for interest-free loans without knowing where I will be going to school?
A: Students must provide verification of enrollment at an accredited U.S. institution to be eligible for an interest-free loan.

Q: What happens if I defer my enrollment?
A: If you are not sure what your plans for the fall semester are, you are still encouraged to apply for our interest-free loans. We will address these situations on a case-by-case basis.

Additional questions? Contact us at scholar@communityfoundation.org

Q: What is the process to apply for scholarships?
A: We are pleased to offer a streamlined, online application for students who wish to apply for our scholarships. The online scholarship application opens January 1 and closes April 7th. Decisions about recipients are made during April and May.

Q: When do I submit my online application?
A. You must complete the online scholarship application between January and April.

Q: Can I apply for scholarships and loans through the same applications?
A: No. There are separate applications and deadlines for scholarships and loans.

Q: What if I don’t have internet access or a computer at home to submit the online application?
A: We recommend contacting a local library, community center, employment agency, or senior center to determine if you are eligible to use the free or minimal cost public use computer terminals. If you’re unable to access a computer with internet service, please contact us at scholar@communityfoundation.org at least one week prior to the close of the application.

Q: What is a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS), formerly the Student Aid Report (SAR)?
A: Upon completion of the FAFSA, the student will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) (formerly known as the Student Aid Report (SAR)). The FSS is a document providing basic information about a student’s eligibility for federal student aid as well as the answers to other questions on the FAFSA. A student usually receives this document electronically. The FSS is several pages long. Be sure to provide us with the entire document (typically between 10 and 22 pages) and not just the confirmation page.

Q: Do I have to write an essay for the scholarship application?
A: All scholarship applicants are required to complete at least one essay, and possibly other shorter ones.

Your essay is vital to our selection committee because it allows them to learn more about you than just your grades, activities, and achievements. Your essay is your moment to shine, show your personality, share your goals and passions, and compel our reviewers. We encourage you to take care in creating your essay, as it is your chance to stand out.

There is no essay requirement for an interest-free educational loan.

Q: Can I reapply for scholarships each year?
A: Yes! We strongly encourage you to reapply each year. You must complete the online application every year in which you wish to be considered for scholarships. Please keep in mind that receipt of an award for one academic year does not guarantee that an award will be granted in a subsequent year. Conversely, if you did not receive an award in a previous year, don’t be discouraged from reapplying in another year.

Q: Do I need to send an official copy of my transcript with my scholarship application?
A: You can submit either a copy of an official transcript or an unofficial transcript. The transcript must show the following:
1) Your name
2) Your college’s / high school’s name or the website URL clearly indicating the name of your college if it is retrieved from a student portal
4) All coursework you’re currently enrolled in, and all grades received in courses to date
5) Your cumulative GPA (not just the GPA earned in each semester)

In all cases, we reserve the right to request that an official transcript be submitted.

Q: Are only those students who live in Franklin, Hampshire or Hampden counties eligible for scholarships?
A: Most of our scholarships are limited to residents of Franklin, Hampshire or Hampden counties. We do offer a handful of scholarships for which students residing outside of the area are eligible. Your residency is determined from the address listed on your FAFSA.

Q: Are part-time students eligible?
A: Yes. Unless otherwise noted in the scholarship descriptions, full-time and part-time students pursuing higher education at an U.S. accredited institution are eligible for scholarships.

Q: Are scholarships available to graduate students?
A: Yes. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for scholarships, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Q: Do I have to attend a college or university in Massachusetts?
A: No. Scholarships are awarded to eligible students enrolled in any U.S. accredited college and university unless otherwise noted in the description for the scholarship.

Q: How are recipients selected?
A: Generally, a committee of community volunteers selects recipients for scholarships based on the specific criteria of the scholarship or interest-free loan. Apart from a few awards, your financial need is strongly taken into consideration. Your academic history is also considered, as are your essays submitted with the application.

Q: When are decisions made, and when will I find out if I received an award?
A: Generally, we make decisions about scholarship recipients by the beginning of May and students are notified by the end of June or early July.

Q: What is the maximum dollar amount of scholarships I can receive from the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts?
A: You can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships in any one award year.

Q: What expenses can scholarships cover?
A: Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all of the award could be considered taxable income. We recommend checking with your college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

If you’re enrolled in less than six credits, scholarships are payable for tuition and fees only.

If you’re enrolled at a for-profit institution, scholarships are payable for tuition only.

Q: Will a scholarship from the Community Foundation affect my financial aid package?
A: Colleges have different policies about how scholarships which are not granted by the institution will or will not impact your financial aid. We strongly recommend you speak with your college’s financial aid office to determine what is best for you.

Q: How do I receive my scholarship award?
A: Scholarships are paid directly to your college after your enrollment is verified for the semester. The full amount of your awarded scholarship is generally paid in the fall semester, with a few exceptions. If this is the case, we will notify you directly.

Q: Can I apply for scholarships without knowing where I will be going to school?
A: Yes! We encourage you to apply for our scholarships as long as you will be attending a college in the coming academic year.

Q: If I am not a first-year student, am I still eligible for the scholarship program?
A: Yes! You do not need to be a first-year student to qualify for our scholarships.

Q: What happens if I defer my enrollment?
A: If you are not sure what your plans for the fall semester are, you are still encouraged to apply for our scholarships. We will address these situations on a case-by-case basis.

Additional questions? Contact us at scholar@communityfoundation.org

The Community Scholarship Program makes higher education possible for many residents with financial need in our region. The Community Foundation manages one of the largest community-based scholarship and loan programs in the country. With over 100 scholarships and interest-free loan programs, providing awards to over 800 students each year. Scholarships may be named to honor or memorialize a loved one or colleague.

Q: How do I establish a scholarship fund?
A: The Foundation’s philanthropic services team works with donors and/or their financial advisors to establish the fund. Once the details have been discussed, a fund agreement letter is drafted and signed, and then assets may be transferred to establish the fund.

Q: What are the required minimums to establish a scholarship fund?
A: Separately named scholarship funds can be established with gifts of $25,000 or more, allowing a minimum annual scholarship award of $1,000 or more. That balance may be reached over several years with a fundraising/donation plan approved by the Foundation. Endowed scholarships will be awarded in the first available scholarship cycle that occurs after a period of twelve months from the date the fund minimum is reached, unless otherwise approved.

Q: What if I wish to make a scholarship gift of a lesser amount?
A: Donations of any size are welcome to the Foundation’s Community Scholarship Fund and will be awarded in full annually. Donations of any amount are also welcome to the Future Scholars Fund, an endowed fund.

Q: How are funds invested?
A: Foundation funds are professionally invested under the supervision of community volunteers with expertise in investment management. Funds are pooled and invested with other assets of the Foundation for fuller diversification, with each fund accruing its own share of the earnings. Each fund is accounted for separately. Donors may choose from a selection of portfolios and will receive quarterly financial statements.

Q: What are the administrative fees?
A: The fee is currently 1.5% of the principal annually for scholarship funds which use the Community Foundation Selection Committee to select scholarship recipients.

Q: How do students receive scholarship funds?
A: A single application enables students to access the more than 100 scholarship funds managed by the Community Foundation. Scholarships are primarily awarded to residents of western Massachusetts for full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate study at accredited institutions of higher education who fulfill all application requirements. Scholarship awards are paid to the college or university after enrollment has been verified. More details are available at communityfoundation.org/scholarships

Q: Can I choose criteria to define the eligibility for the scholarship?
A: We strongly encourage donors to limit restrictions on scholarship funds so that they can be awarded annually, and remain relevant and impactful for generations to come. However, donors may recommend 1-2 selection criteria (and 1 preference criteria) based on information already collected on the current application form:

• Residency: Counties of Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, city/town or a combination
• High School: Current graduating seniors or graduates of a specific high school
• Year of Study: Freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student
• Specific College or University
• Major
• Ethnicity
• Financial Need

Due to the effects of the current COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure the safety of our employees and guests, the Community Foundation is closed to the general public until further notice. Please check back frequently for updates. Thank you for your flexibility as we work together to support our community. 

Q: Can we bring our own laptop?
A: Yes! We encourage guests to bring their own laptop, please be sure that an HDMI input is available to connect to the TV.

Q: Can we use the Community Foundation’s computer?
A: Yes! The Foundation has a guest account for users to login for both TVs and projectors (Boardroom).

Q: Is there a price for using conference rooms?
A: No! We do not charge a fee for the use of our office space, but we encourage you to make a donation to help support the Community Foundation. You can make a donation here.

Q: Where can my guests and I park?
A: There are plenty of pay parking lots and garages around our offices, as well as on street parking (metered).

Q: When is the conference space available?
A: Conference space is available by request Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, excluding holidays. Space is granted on a “first come, first serve basis.” Without a reservation, we cannot guarantee the room will be available on the date and time requested.

Q: Will any conference rooms work with a Mac?
A: Yes, ONLY if your Mac has an HDMI port. Newer Macs will have Thunderbolt connections that require an adapter to HDMI (Not Provided).

Q: How can I see a history of my gifts and grants from my fund?
A: As a fundholder, you have 24/7 access to our online Donor Portal that provides a review of gifts, grants, and balance.
If you have questions about Donor Central, please contact Keith McKittrick.

Q: Can I fundraise to add to my fund?
A: Yes. If you are raising money to add to a fund through events or other activities, please review our fundraising guidelines.

Q: How can I add to my fund?
A: We can accept your gift in many forms.

Q: How often does my fund need to make grants?
A: In order to fulfill our mission to provide support to our community, the Foundation requires that every endowed fund distribute annually, and every advised fund be active at least every three years. This can include outgoing grants, or incoming gifts. Please see our Inactive Funds policy for more information.

Q: Can my advised fund continue beyond my lifetime?
A: We would be honored to maintain your legacy by endowing your advised fund. You can define the specific issues in our region, named nonprofits, or scholarships that you’d like the fund to support. Endowed funds continue in perpetuity, distributing annual grants following the guidelines developed by you and the Foundation.

Q: Can I include the Foundation in my will?
A: Yes, we welcome bequests. We ask that you speak with us in advance so that we can better understand your intention and ensure that we will be able to fulfill it.

Other questions? Please call or email us at your convenience.
For questions about Donor Central, contact Keith McKittrick.

A Charitable Gift Annuity is a simple way to make a charitable gift and receive a fixed income for life. The
annuity is a contract with the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts to pay an individual a
specified sum annually, usually for the life of the donor and/or spouse, with the remainder going to a fund
at the Foundation.

Q: Who can establish a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA)?
A: Annuities are written only in conjunction with gifts of $25,000 or more, and annuity beneficiaries must be
65 years of age or older at the time of the gift.

Q: How do I establish a Charitable Gift Annuity?
A: A Community Foundation representative will review the options with you and any advisors you would like
included in the conversation. Annuities are established with a simple contract. In all cases, the fund or
funds to receive the annuity remainder is chosen by the donor or established with a simple fund agreement
with the Foundation. The Foundation can work with donors and their financial advisors from the beginning
to help determine the best asset to contribute, timing, etc.

Q: How are funds invested?
A: Our funds are professionally invested under the supervision of expert community volunteers, and gift
annuities are pooled and invested with other assets of the Foundation.

Q: What are the administrative fees and investment expenses?
A: The cost of providing the CGA includes providing annual tax reporting (currently $250) and the expense of
investing the donated assets. These charges do not affect the amount paid to the annuitant. The
Foundation does not charge a separate fee for administering charitable gift annuities. After the death of
the life beneficiary, the Foundation will charge its customary fee on the endowed fund receiving the
remainder (currently a 1% fee on endowed funds, 1.25% fee on funds using the Foundation’s Distribution
Committee, or a 1.5% fee on most scholarship funds).

Q: What happens at the conclusion of a CGA?
A: The Foundation will calculate a gift in an amount equal to the difference between the original gift and the
cost of providing the annuity (including expenses as stated above). We will direct this gift in one of two
ways:
• A one-time contribution to the Foundation’s operations, grantmaking, scholarships or to another
existing endowed fund at the Foundation.
• A contribution to create a new endowed fund at the Foundation. The Foundation will promise to
create an endowed fund named by you at the conclusion of the annuity, so long as the residual
balance is in excess of our fund minimum (currently $10,000 or $25,000 for a scholarship fund). The
fund distributions can be tailored to the charitable interests of the donor (e.g. unrestricted, field of
interest, scholarship).

Q: What are the tax benefits with a CGA?
A: The donor can usually take a tax deduction for part of the gift based upon the age of the life
beneficiary/beneficiaries. In addition, by using appreciated securities to make the gift to the Foundation in
conjunction with the issuance of the annuity, the donor can begin to generate income usually without
paying the long-term capital gains tax normally associated with the disposition of those securities. The
Foundation can provide sample payout rates and the estimated tax deductibility upon request for your
consideration.

Q: How does the Foundation determine its CGA rates?
A: We use the annuity rates suggested by the Planned Giving Council calculations (PG Calc). These rates vary
from time to time and will typically be lower than the rates available from commercial insurance
companies. The rates determine the annual payment based on the age of the life beneficiary/beneficiaries.
To help ensure that enough of a charitable gift remains at the Foundation to establish an endowed fund at
the conclusion of the annuity, we will generally offer rates that are 5% below the current PG Calc rates. Any
exceptions to this must be approved by our Gift Acceptance Committee. However, we will offer a rate equal
to the current PG Calc rate table if you choose to name the Community Foundation as the sole remainder
beneficiary to receive a one-time contribution equaling 100% of the remainder balance, if any, at the
annuitant’s death. This contribution may be to the Foundation’s operations, grantmaking, scholarships or to
another existing endowed fund at the Foundation.

Q: What if I want the charity of my choice to receive a one-time, lump sum contribution at the conclusion of
the annuity?
A: When a Charitable Gift Annuity is established with a gift of $125,000 or more, the Foundation will allow a
public charity to receive an immediate benefit of a remainder gift at the annuitant’s death provided the
following criteria are met:
• The higher of 50% of the remainder balance or $10,000 will be used to establish a permanently
endowed fund at the Foundation for the benefit of the named charity.
• The remaining balance can be recommended by the donor as a one-time, pass-through gift to the
named charity, or they can use this portion of the remainder to establish an agency advised
(principal access) fund at Foundation.

Donor Advised Funds allow donors to recommend grants to charitable organizations of their choice while achieving maximum tax benefits. They also provide an efficient alternative to a private foundation.

Q: How do I establish a Donor Advised Fund?
A: The Foundation’s philanthropic services team works with donors and/or their financial advisors to establish the fund. Once the details have been discussed, a fund agreement letter is drafted and signed, and then assets may be transferred to establish the fund.

Q: Is there a required minimum balance?
A: The Community Foundation requires a $10,000 minimum balance. That balance may be reached over several years with a fundraising/donation plan approved by the Foundation. Amounts in excess of that minimum each year (including earnings from the fund’s investment) are available for recommended distribution.

Q: How are the funds invested?
A: Foundation funds are professionally invested under the supervision of community volunteers with expertise in investment management. Funds are pooled and invested with other assets of the Foundation for fuller diversification, with each fund accruing its own share of the earnings. Each fund is accounted for separately. Donors may choose from a selection of portfolios and will receive quarterly financial statements.

Q: What are the administrative fees?
A: The fee for Donor Advised Funds is currently 1.25% of the principal annually with a minimum annual fee of $125, in addition to the expenses of the fund’s investment.

Q: What do the fees cover?
A: The fees cover all administrative tasks assumed by the Foundation. Tasks include recordkeeping, investment, filing all required reports, monitoring the charitable status of recipients of such grants, and the provision of tax receipts for gifts to the fund.

Q: How do I recommend grants?
A: Fund advisors may recommend grants to public charities in amounts of $100 or more. Grants may be recommended at any time from principal or earnings above the $10,000 fund minimum. Recommendations will be followed as long as they comply with current IRS guidelines. See the Advised Fund Policies for more information.

A Field of Interest Fund supports a general area of charitable activity such as adult literacy, preserving the environment, or the arts. A Field of Interest Fund can also support charitable work within a geographic area.

Q: How do I establish a Field of Interest Fund?
A: Funds can be established easily and quickly. The Foundation assists donors and their financial advisors with the fund-establishment process. Once the details have been discussed with the Foundation, simply sign a fund agreement letter and transfer the assets to establish the fund.

Q: Is there a required minimum balance?
A: It is not economical for the Community Foundation to administer funds with a long-term balance less than $10,000. That balance may be reached over several years with a fundraising/donation plan approved by the Foundation.

Q: How are the funds invested?
A: Our funds are professionally invested under the supervision of expert community volunteers. Funds are pooled and invested with other assets of the Foundation for fuller diversification, with each fund accruing its own share of the earnings. Each fund is accounted for separately. Donors may choose from a selection of portfolios and will receive quarterly financial statements.

Q: Who manages the fund distribution process?
A: Our Distribution Committee’s competitive grant making process ensures the greatest possible breadth, thoroughness, and equity in evaluating and prioritizing grant requests. These community volunteers thoroughly review each request to ensure the strength and viability of the project.

Q: What are the administrative fees?
A: The fee is currently 1.25% of the principal annually.

Q: What do the fees cover?
A: The fees cover all administrative tasks assumed by the Foundation. Tasks include recordkeeping, investment, filing all required reports, monitoring the charitable status of recipients of such grants, and the provision of tax receipts for gifts to the fund.

Q: Can a Field of Interest Fund become obsolete?
A: Funds will never become obsolete. Endowed funds will provide an enduring legacy that meets the defined needs for generations to come. If a change of circumstances makes literal compliance with the terms of the gift unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment, or inconsistent with the charitable needs of Western Massachusetts, our trustees can vary them.

Designated Funds are endowed funds that support one or more specific charitable organizations of the donor’s choice in perpetuity.

Q: How do I establish a Designated Fund?
A: Funds can be established easily and quickly. The Foundation assists donors and their financial advisors with the fund-establishment process. Once the details have been discussed with the Foundation, simply sign a fund agreement letter and transfer the assets to establish the fund.

Q: Is there a required minimum balance?
A: It is not economical for the Community Foundation to administer funds with a long-term balance less than $10,000. That balance may be reached over several years with a fundraising/donation plan approved by the Foundation.

Q: How are the funds invested?
A: Our funds are professionally invested under the supervision of expert community volunteers. Funds are pooled and invested with other assets of the Foundation for fuller diversification, with each fund accruing its own share of the earnings. Each fund is accounted for separately. Donors may choose from a selection of portfolios and will receive quarterly financial statements.

Q: What are the administrative fees?
A: The fee for endowed funds is currently 1% of the principal annually applied to a 13-quarter rolling average of that principal (with a minimum annual fee of $125), in addition to the expenses of the fund’s investment.

Q: What do the fees cover?
A: The fees cover all administrative tasks assumed by the Foundation. Tasks include recordkeeping, investment, filing all required reports, monitoring the charitable status of recipients of such grants, and the provision of tax receipts for gifts to the fund.

Q: Can a Designated Fund become obsolete?
A: Funds will never become obsolete. If a charity is no longer operating, its assigned distribution can be spread across other charities supported by the fund or the Foundation can assign it to a charity doing similar work.

A Nonprofit Agency Fund helps agencies provide a more solid financial foundation for their work. More than 100 charitable organizations in the Pioneer Valley have established funds with the Community Foundation.

Q: How do I establish a Nonprofit Agency Fund?
A: Funds can be established easily and quickly. The Foundation assists agencies and their financial advisors with the fund-establishment process. Once the details have been discussed with the Foundation, simply sign a fund agreement letter and transfer the assets to establish the fund.

Q: Is there a required minimum balance?
A: It is not economical for the Community Foundation to administer funds with a long-term balance less than $10,000. That balance may be reached over several years with a fundraising/donation plan approved by the Foundation. Amounts in excess of that minimum each year (including earnings from the fund’s investment) would be available for recommended distribution.

Q: How are funds invested?
A: Our funds are professionally invested under the supervision of expert community volunteers. Funds are pooled and invested with other assets of the Foundation for fuller diversification, with each fund accruing its own share of the earnings. Each fund is accounted for separately. Agencies may choose from a selection of portfolios and will receive quarterly financial statements.

Q: What are the administrative fees and expenses?
A: The fee for Agency Advised Funds is currently 1.25% of the principal annually, and the fee for Agency Endowed Funds is currently 1% of the principal annually (with a minimum annual fee of $125 in either case). These fees are in addition to the relatively low-cost expenses of the fund’s investment.

Q: What do the fees cover?
A: The fees cover all administrative tasks assumed by the Foundation. Tasks include recordkeeping, investment, filing all required reports, monitoring the charitable status of recipients of such grants, the provision of tax receipts for gifts to the fund and quarterly statements of fund activity.

Q: Who owns the fund’s assets?
A: According to both income tax and securities laws, establishing a fund requires the charity to transfer title to the assets to the Foundation. Although the Foundation owns the assets the Agency may maintain a beneficial interest, which under Financial Accounting Standards Boards Statement #136, would allow the agency to record an asset on its financial statements. We suggest the agency discuss this with their accountants and the Foundation.

Q: Do you accept unusual assets?
A: Yes. The Foundation can accept stock, mutual fund shares, closely held stock, real estate, personal property, retirement assets, life insurance, planned gifts and private foundation assets.

Q: What’s the difference between an Endowed and an Agency Advised Fund?
A: Endowed funds allow for regular distributions to the agency in accordance with the Foundation’s policy, which attempts to provide long-term protection of the principal (currently 4.25% of principal annually). Agency Advised Funds allow the agency to recommend distributions of both income and principal whenever desired. Please know that the Foundation is permitted to return the entire balance in this fund to the agency. However, title to the monies in this fund is in the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. Recommendations for subsequent distributions may not be binding instructions.

Q: Do you offer fundraising assistance?
A: The Foundation is not able to serve as the fundraising arm of those charities with Agency Funds. However, our experienced development staff is available to meet or consult by phone with agency directors, board members, finance committees, development committees, and even donor prospects to discuss fundraising strategies and techniques.

Q: What do your Planned Giving services include?
A: We help agencies avoid the costs and liabilities of offering their own planned giving program by administering charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, and lead trusts that direct gifts to endowed agency funds. We serve as a partner by administering the gifts and providing advice on marketing planned gifts. We also work with potential donors and their advisors to answer technical gift planning inquiries.

Q: What are some other benefits to working with the Foundation?
A: Charities with Agency Funds at the Foundation may enjoy the increased visibility as part of our larger giving community. Agency Funds are listed in our Annual Report, which receives widespread circulation. An Agency Fund may enhance a charity’s fundraising prospects because some donors wish to support charities, but prefer the relative long-term security of the Foundation, particularly if they want to ensure their gifts are endowed forever. Of course, agencies also benefit from our high quality, cost-efficient administration and stewardship services.