COSTS AND FUND MINIMUMS

Long-Term Endowed and Non-Endowed Funds
The minimum to establish an endowed fund at the Solano Community Foundation is $25,000. The minimum to establish a non-endowed fund is $10,000. If necessary for the donor, with prior approval of the Foundation, these sums may be donated over two years.

Holders of endowed Funds may distribute up to 4% of the earnings from their Fund on an annual basis not to invade the principal. We recommend that such fundholders wait twelve quarters (three years) from the date of establishment to allow the principal to generate earnings, thus providing grantmaking capability from the gains. There is no minimum distribution requirement.

On rare occasions, the Foundation serves as fiscal sponsor for particular community projects that do not have their own 501c3 tax-exempt status. These funds are usually linked to special fundraising events and efforts, and as such, result in a greater level of activity. This higher administrative load on Foundation staff includes all the reporting, accounting, and tracking of activities and finances. Such Short-Term Non-Endowed Funds are charged 7% per calendar year, with a minimum of $700. They do not receive dividends and gains. Distributions from these Funds may only be made to local, qualified nonprofit organizations.

Our FEES are consistent with those charged by other community foundations nationally and are in compliance with the National Standards set by the Council on Foundations. Our donors and fundholders can be confident that well over 90% of their charitable giving dollar goes to work at meeting the needs of the community. There are never any hidden or embedded fees.

At SCF, we use the term "community development fee" instead of "administrative fee." The new name better reflects all the work that is done with these funds: donor services, community leadership programs, capacity building, activities for our local nonprofit organizations, information and referral about community needs, and programs.

Information about spending policy, pooled funds, reporting, donor services, the annual community development fee, waiting periods, minimum establishing gifts, and eligible grantees from funds held at Solano Community Foundation can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions below.

For Frequently Asked Questions about Non-Endowed Funds at SCF, click here.