There is a basic list of items that you need to be aware of before you can truly understand the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. The following are 10 informational factoids designed to help you become better acquainted with CRCF:

1. CRCF is local and here for you.

As a public foundation, CRCF was created by community members for the entire community. If you have charitable needs or philanthropic interests, CRCF can help service these needs and interests.

 
2. CRCF has its own legacy.

Established in 1978, the Foundation has operated for 30 years. Over this time frame, CRCF has proven a reputation as a careful investor of your gifts and knowledgeable source of information on community needs and solutions.

3. CRCF is based on forever.

CRCF is built on a foundation of permanence. Endowment funds start small but grow in time, just as the Foundation. When community needs change over time, the Foundation will still be around servicing those new needs.

4. CRCF makes the community better.

Last year, CRCF awarded approximately $2,400,000 in grants in the areas of arts, civic enrichment, education, and social and human services.

5. CRCF truly gives back.

In its 30-year history, CRCF has received nearly $52,300,000 in contributions. Of that, over $29,000,000 has been awarded back to the community in grants and scholarships, with the remainder being invested for fund growth over time.

6. CRCF makes giving simple.

You can make a simple outright gift, establish a fund, or name CRCF as a beneficiary, knowing this goes toward a charitable purpose.

7. CRCF knows the community.

With hundreds of area non-profits, it can be difficult to figure out where to give. CRCF gets to know local non-profit organizations and can assist you in giving to those organizations, whether directly or through a fund.

8. CRCF is designed to benefit the entire community.

Individual non-profits focus on specific issues, but CRCF’s role is to assist the community as a whole. With community input, CRCF develops grantmaking that addresses a broad range of issues that are most relevant to the community’s needs today.

9. CRCF is comprised of people of the community.

11 volunteer Board members comprised of individuals from all sectors of business and organization involvement, volunteer their time and talents as CRCF ambassadors and governors. Including the staff and an all-volunteer membership, the Foundation represents a broad cross-section of the entire community looking out for your needs.

10. CRCF succeeds on reputation.

Over 500 individuals have created funds with the CRCF, entrusting the Foundation to carry out their charitable wishes. As the Foundation’s reputation grows, so do the number of people who believe in CRCF’s role and mission.

In addition to the previous 10 points, perhaps the most important thing to know about the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation is that all gifts matter. The notion of a gift being too small is just that…a notion. The fact is whether you are giving $1 or $10,000, every dollar is added to a portfolio that will ultimately serve to benefit the community as a whole. The Foundation today exists to serve you and will carry on its reputation of doing so. Take advantage of all the Foundation can offer by simply calling 661-3390. Above all, allow CRCF to be your foundation.

Simple Answers To Eight CRCF Questions

1. What is the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation?

CRCF is a philanthropic organization with a mission to enrich the quality of life in the Chautauqua Region. This mission is carried out by providing grants to area non-profits, scholarships to area students, and by acting as a partner to every person and business in the community. CRCF is comprised of a collection of many separate endowment funds established by individual donors, families, charitable organizations and businesses.

 2. How does the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation work?

CRCF accepts donations to endowment funds from the public and invests these monies. A portion of the investment returns from these endowment funds, to which the monies were donated, are awarded back to the community each year through grants and scholarships.

 3. What is an endowment fund?

An endowment is a type of permanent fund, established by a donor, for a charitable purpose. The monies within the fund are invested for growth, with the returns granted annually to specific causes or organizations.

4. How do you establish an endowment fund with CRCF?

With the assistance of CRCF staff, a donor can establish a fund with any name. The donor then designates an organization(s) or field of charitable interests as the recipient(s). When the fund becomes active, the designated recipient(s) or cause will receive an annual grant from the fund. An endowment fund can be established with any amount of money but will not become active until it reaches a balance of $5,000.

5. Can gifts be added to an established fund?

Yes, once a fund is established, any amount may be added to that particular fund, or any other fund at CRCF, at any time. Some donors add yearly, some for special occasions and some will designate funds in their wills. As a note, you do not have to have a fund established to make donations to funds at CRCF.

 6. Are there tax advantages of donating to CRCF?

CRCF is an IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) organization, so all contributions are eligible for tax deductions, whether made by an individual or business.

Additionally, CRCF can handle other forms of gifts gifts including gifts of stock, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate, and can work with donors in setting up planned gifts, such as the Charitable Gift Annuity.

 7. How are my donations/funds invested?

CRCF has a broad asset allocation managed through 11 investment managers that are required to meet performance benchmarks. CRCF also works with an investment consultant on effective strategies and follows an Investment Policy with strict guidelines. CRCF’s Investment Committee monitors all investment activity and strives for the best possible performance for all funds entrusted to the Foundation.

 8. What are the overall goals of CRCF?

The broad purpose of the CRCF is to become an ever-growing community partner, so that, together, we can all build a better community for the future. As part of that, CRCF will always strive to create partnerships with individuals, corporations, private foundations, and area non-profits, so that local expertise and resources can address local problems. 

CRCF 12th Annual Golf Tournament

Monday, May 18, 2009
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Moon Brook Country Club

Join us at CRCF's 12th Annual Golf Tournament.  All proceeds go to CRCF's Unrestricted Community Service Fund.  
Call Leslie at 489-2050 for more information.

For more information please call (716) 483-6646 or email info@roberthjackson.org