Endowment Management
More than 35 Greater Lowell/Merrimack Valley Nonprofit Agencies have established funds at the Foundation with assets donated to them, raised specifically for the Endowment or accumulated over time. Starting a fund at the Foundation provides services that many nonprofits may find advantageous.
Professional Investment Management
Funds are professionally invested by local, community-based financial experts who have experience in building and preserving funds in perpetuity. Agency funds are pooled with other assets of the Foundation for diversification, with each fund accruing its own share of the earnings. An Agency Fund relieves agency staff and board of responsibility for accounting and management of its invested funds.
A Strong Reputation for Fiscal Stewardship
Nonprofit Agency Funds at the Foundation may enjoy the increased visibility provided by being a part of our larger giving community. Agency Funds are listed in the Foundation’s Annual Report which receives widespread circulation. An agency fund may enhance a charity’s fundraising prospects because some donors may wish to support charity, but prefer the relative long-term security of the local community foundation, particularly if they wish to insure that their gifts are endowed in perpetuity.
Cost-Efficient Administration and Stewardship Services
The Foundation staff processes timely, personalized gift acknowledgments and a Donor Portal to access quarterly statements of fund activity.
Planned Giving Services
The Foundation administers charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, and lead trusts which direct gifts to endowed agency funds. This service is a way for agencies to avoid the costs and liabilities of offering their own planned giving program. The the Foundation serves as a partner by administering the gifts, providing advice on marketing planned gifts, and by working with potential donors and their advisers to answer technical gift planning inquiries.
Fundraising advice and counsel
While the the Foundation is not able to serve as the fundraising arm of those charities with Agency Funds, our experienced development staff is available to meet or consult with agency directors, board members, finance committees, development committees, and even donor prospects to discuss fundraising strategies and techniques.
