What We Do

What is a community foundation?

The Community Foundation is a non-political, non-religious, self-governed registered public charity.  The Board is comprised of 12 local citizens who are appointed by a separate nominating committee.

The Community Foundation is unique in that it is the only charity focused on the creation of permanent endowment funds.

It is a 360-degree provider covering all sectors of charitable need in every corner of the Swan Valley.

Our objectives

• To promote the development of children, youth and seniors' programs;
• To assist and promote the arts, cultural and heritage activities;
• To advance education;
• To support the enhancement of the environment;
• To support and advance the provision of medical services;
• To support sports and recreation;
• To support and advance other community activities or facilities of a charitable nature.

How it works

A gift becomes an endowment which provides a never-ending source of income to the community.  It differs from other types of charitable gifts in that it remains actively invested – the original gift remains untouched.  The interest earned is then used to support local charities.

Each endowed gift may carry the name of a person, a family, or a business.
These endowed gifts are pooled and invested to become a very valuable and self sustaining source of revenue – a true legacy.

A permanent endowment fund with the Community Foundation has an objective of distributing a minimum 5% each year.  For example, a gift of $1,000 would produce $50 every year.  In 20 years, this would total $1,000 in charitable grants.  The original gift is secured and its interest is working for the community.

Accountability

The Community Foundation has formally adopted a national code of ethics, a statement of donor rights and the practice of public accountability.

Endowment funds are combined and placed in a professionally managed investment portfolio.

An annual independent audit is completed and made available for public information.