FAQs
What is a community foundation?
- A community foundation is a pool of endowment funds that are invested to produce earnings used to make grants to charitable organizations, usually in a specific geographic area, such as a city or county.
Where do these funds come from?
- Individuals and businesses interested helping others in Waukesha County establish individual funds.
What are the assets of the Waukesha County Community Foundation?
- Total assets of nearly $24 million
- Over 150 funds
- More than $8 million in grants dispersed since 2000
- Nearly 400 grants, totaling over $1.7 million were made in 2010
How is this Foundation different from other nonprofit organizations?
- The WCCF is a charitable 501(c) (3) organization but does not provide direct services to people in need of assistance. Instead, grants are made to organizations that provide those services.
Why do people want to create individual funds?
- Using their success in life to make lives better for others;
- Showing appreciation for good things that have happened to them;
- Being part of something larger than themselves;
- Creating a giving legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes;
- Memorializing or honoring someone important in their lives;
- Involving their children in philanthropy;
- All without having to set up a private foundation.
How can I help if I can’t afford to start my own fund?
- Start your own fund with a $1,000 gift and make future gifts until it reaches funding levels.
- Make a gift of any amount to an existing fund that makes grants.
- Give to one of more than a dozen agency endowment funds to help that nonprofit organization prepare for a more stable financial future.
- Give to our Administrative Endowment Fund to help our ongoing efforts to build a stronger community.