A gift that keeps on giving
Endowed Funds
At the Community Foundation, we’re here for good, for ever. If you want to make a lasting impact for generations to come, you can give to existing endowed funds that support many causes or start your own.
A Gift That Keeps on Giving
An endowment is a fund invested to grow over time while continually generating earnings to support charitable causes. The Community Foundation invests the fund in long-term portfolios and grants a portion of the generated earnings annually. The original gift is preserved, ensuring a permanent source of funding for the community. It’s designed to exist forever—a gift that keeps on giving.
The Power of Endowment
Endowed funds ensure the original gift remains intact while it is invested to grow in value. As the funds grow, a portion of the earnings are granted to charitable organizations. Unlike a contribution that is given and spent on an immediate need, a gift to an endowment (or permanent) fund will give many times its original value through time, making it “a gift that keeps giving.” Over time, the value of an endowed fund will be significant both in dollars granted and in fund value. For example, the Molly Fund was established in 1997 with a $150,000 gift to support enrichment activities for students who experience opportunity gaps Santa Cruz County. Over the last two decades, the fund has granted $190,000 while the fund balance has grown to $197,000.
Establishing a Fund
Funds can be established in your name, the name of your family, your organization, or anyone you wish to honor.
Community Foundation Santa Cruz County makes giving easy, flexible, and effective. We accept a wide variety of gifts: cash, stocks, and property—or you can plan your giving for the future. Learn more about the assets we accept.
Why Create or Give to an Endowment with the Community Foundation?
The Community Foundation exists to create a permanent source of community capital benefiting the residents of Santa Cruz County forever. The Community Foundation knows how to manage and invest endowments in a way that fulfills the charitable goals of our supporters. We can help you create an endowment that will meet your expectations and address those issues you care most about.
