What is the Community Foundation?

The Community Foundation, founded in 1961, is a public charity that enhances the quality of life of this place we call home. Through the funds entrusted to our stewardship by generous donors, we make grants to nonprofit organizations and agencies to create opportunity wherever the need is greatest. These grants impact social, educational, environmental, cultural, health and human services.

Who does the Community Foundation serve?

The Community Foundation is the only community foundation north of Alexandria, Louisiana. Donors may designate a geographical area of interest to be served when creating a fund.

Who governs the Community Foundation?

Our board of directors, which is made up of business and community leaders, oversees the funds, management and policies of the Community Foundation.

What is an endowment?

An endowment is a permanent fund that is invested. The income is used for charitable purposes, while the principal is never spent. It is invested to grow over the years and continue to do good things forever.

What organizations are supported by the Community Foundation?

The Community Foundation has granted over $35,000,000 to support charitable causes. Grants are made to a variety of organizations in areas such as education, youth, environment, health and social services. The Biomedical Research Foundation; Sci-Port; The Fuller Center for Housing of North Louisiana and The Shreveport Symphony are but a few of the organizations which have benefited from Foundation funds. For a full listing of last year’s grant recipients, please see our annual report.

How is the Community Foundation different from other nonprofits?

Generally, nonprofit organizations raise and spend money for themselves. Our Foundation differs in that we operate more as a type of savings account for the entire community’s benefit. In addition, unlike most funds at other nonprofits, our funds are growing in an endowment account which earns interest. Distributions from the Fund support worthwhile charitable community causes, but the principal of the Endowed Fund remains intact to grow for future generations.

Who are the Community Foundation's donors?

Our donors are individuals, families, corporations, private foundations, and charitable organizations who wish to make a difference in the lives of others and to make the community a better place. Donors range from people of modest means to those with substantial financial resources.

Why should I create a Fund?

Having a Fund at the Community Foundation means that your values will enjoy a continued presence in your community for generations to come. The Community Foundation helps you meet your charitable objectives. By partnering with the Foundation, you also have the benefits of flexibility and efficiency in your charitable giving. Because the legal status as a public charity is already in place, existing forms are available so that a fund can be established and the maximum tax advantages secured, in a very short time.

What services do I receive as a Fund donor?

The Community Foundation provides the IRS reporting, fund accounting, investment management, and financial accountability for funds. The Community Foundation assures that all grant and scholarship recipients meet the IRS criteria for tax-exempt status and that the monies granted are used for the intended purpose. Where appropriate, the Community Foundation advises recipients of the donor's intent to request proposals or fund certain categories of interest. Donors receive quarterly fund statements and are kept informed of special community needs, grant opportunities, and high quality organizations.

What are the financial benefits and tax advantages of making a gift through the Community Foundation?

The Foundation offers you a number of important financial benefits through charitable giving. Because we manage many funds, administrative costs and service fees for your fund are minimized. Another important advantage is that the Federal tax code provides significant incentives for contributions to a community foundation.

What tax benefits can the Community Foundation offer to me?

Gifts to the Community Foundation during your lifetime are deductible to the maximum extent permissible under current tax law --- for gifts of cash, that's 50 percent of adjusted gross income (and if in any year donations exceed the percentage limitations set by law, the excess may be carried over the next five years). There's also a considerable tax benefit for gifts of appreciated property to the Community Foundation. The full market value of such gifts to community foundations (long term capital gain property such as stocks and bonds, or real estate) is deductible up to 30 percent of adjusted gross income.

How do I set up a fund?

Starting a fund is simple and can easily be done in a day. You can set up an unrestricted fund to help meet a variety of needs within the community, or specify a purpose or area of concern to support with a field of interest fund. Some donors choose a designated fund which identifies a single charitable organization to support. With a Donor Advised fund, you can be actively involved in the grantmaking decisions. You also name the fund you create - for yourself, a spouse, family members, a company, or a friend.

What can I give to the Community Foundation?

We can accept cash, publicly-traded and privately held securities, movable and immovable property and other assets. These may be given as a bequest or during the donor’s lifetime. By giving real estate or securities that have appreciated in value you increase the worth of your donation. Selling the property would result in a substantial tax to you on appreciation, whereas a gift to the Community Foundation incurs no tax and also entitles you to a tax deduction for the full value.

What is the difference between a private foundation and a community foundation? Does this have importance for my taxes?

Community foundations have the tax advantages of a public charity and the personal quality of a private foundation.
Gifts of cash and ordinary income property to a community foundation are deductible up to 50 percent of adjusted gross income versus 30 percent for a private foundation. Gifts of appreciated property are deductible up to 30 percent for a community foundation versus 20 percent for a private foundation.

There is no excise tax on community foundations nor is there a 5% distribution requirement as there is on a private foundation.

How much must I contribute to have a fund named?

Named endowment funds start at any level but must reach a minimum of $5,000 within 3 years. Endowments may be added to at any time.

Can I give anonymously?

Yes. The Community Foundation respects the donor's privacy if he or she does not wish to be recognized.

How are funds invested? Can I tell the Foundation how and with whom to invest my funds?

The Community Foundation Finance Committee, with the advice of an outside Investment Consultant, selects investment managers and monitors their performance in the Foundation’s Investment Pool. If you have a relationship with an investment advisor, he or she can possibly serve as the Community Foundation manager for funds over $250,000. Talk to a Community Foundation representative to learn more about your options.

Can you help me find effective charities to support?

Yes. Our professional staff is knowledgeable about many nonprofit's and is happy to help.

What if I don’t have a favorite charity or cause?

You can give funds for unrestricted grants. Each year the Foundation staff and board reviews proposals and evaluates our community’s needs and makes grants to appropriate charities.

Professional Advisors.

The Community Foundation staff is available to help you help your clients achieve their philanthropic goals. We specialize in working with professional advisors to tailor unique giving plans that are responsive to the needs and charitable vision of the individual donor and their families.

For the latest information on legislation, IRS rulings and ideas on charitable giving, please visit the Planned Giving Design Center.