Putting Your Fund into Action
Last Updated (Tuesday, 02 October 2012 20:28) Written by Administrator Tuesday, 18 November 2008 16:13
Donors can determine what the endowment fund they created will support, now and in the future. With Edmonton Community Foundation's strong track record of identifying tailor-made, innovative options for donors and of making grants which create short and long-term benefits in our community, Foundation staff can ensure every fund reflects its donors' priorities.
Many donors support needs in our community - in arts, culture, and heritage; education and learning; environment; health and wellness; social and community services; and recreation - by making a gift to the "Community Fund". The Foundation's Board, with advice and support from staff and our advisory committees, creates grants to address our community's highest priorities as they emerge. Another option lets donors focus on one or more general areas; grants support activities within the fields of interest specified by the donors. Grants are normally allocated through the Foundation's Community Grants Program or Foundation Directed Initiatives. The Foundation also operates a Youth Empowerment Program through which youth initiated and organized projects are selected by a Youth Advisory Committee.
Some donors partner with the Foundation in other ways. The Community Investment Partnership allows donors to get timely information about needs in the community and to make use of the Foundation's community knowledge and granting expertise, while still making the final decision on specific grants to be made from the fund they created.
The Foundation offers a number of scholarship, bursary and award options. Donors can contribute to an existing program, may create an award through an eligible school or organization, or may work with the Foundation in other ways to help students access a wide variety of post-secondary education and training opportunities.
Donors can take an active role in identifying the charities the fund supports by providing granting advice to the Foundation each year. Donors have opportunities to be directly involved in important granting decisions, with less work and lower administrative costs than establishing a private foundation. Foundation staff can also provide value by making suggestions within a certain area of interest.
Alternately, donors may be passionate about one or more specific charities. The endowment fund can provide permanent ongoing support to charities designated by the donor.
More information on the many granting options as well as timelines, minimum grants, who can receive grants, and communications from grant recipients, are available in the Guide to Taking Action.
There are also tailor-made options for charities. Many have partnered with the Edmonton Community Foundation to build endowments to enhance and sustain the valuable programs and services those charities provide. For further information, visit For Charities.
For More Information
Donor Services Team
Edmonton Community Foundation
Phone: (780) 426-0015
E-mail: donorservices@ecfoundation.org
