Investment Strategy

The Community Foundation recognizes stewardship of the assets entrusted to us as one of our most important responsibilities. Donor’s trust in us is based on our ability to invest these resources prudently and to use the income produced in accordance with donor’s charitable wishes, today and in the future.

The responsibility for managing the Community Foundation’s investment portfolio is vested in the Board of Directors through its Finance/Investment Committee. This committee works closely with the Community Foundation’s investment consultant and staff to set policy, establish performance benchmarks and continually monitor the effectiveness of the Community Foundation’s portfolio.

The Committee maintains a disciplined process, regardless of market fluctuations, to ensure the viability of the Community Foundation. This approach has proven to be sound.

Investment Performance

Average Annual Rate of Return in Invested Assets
(Period Ending 12/31/2011)

	One Year	Three Years	Five Years	10 Years	15 Years
Total Fund	-0.5%	11.9%	1.9%	5.1%	6.2%
Benchmark	-0.8%	11.1%	1.7%	5.0%	6.2%

Investment Philosophy

The Central New York Community Foundation Investment Philosophy is to:

Preserve capital, considering the impact of inflation
Strive for consistent annual Total Returns (realized and unrealized, dividends and interest)
Achieve long-term Total Returns which meet or exceed inflation, plus spending for operations and grants
Earn the highest possible return given the risk tolerance established by the Central New York Community Foundation

View a listing of our investment holdings, as of March 31, 2011.

Spending Policy

To allow for a more stable and predictable flow of funds available for distribution in the community, the spending rate is set based upon the average of the market value of the Foundation’s total earning assets over the preceding twenty quarter period. The current spending level is set at 5% to support the Foundation’s operations and grant programs.

Still have questions about the Community Foundation’s finances? Contact our Vice President for Finance and Administration, Mary Meyer, by email or phone at 315-883-5533.

Other Financial Information

For more information about our investment policy and performance, visit our Investment Strategy page.

Download our most recent audited financial statements. (PDF)

Download our most recent 990, a form filed annually with the IRS by public charities. (PDF)

Download our most recent 990T (PDF)

Our 85th Anniversary

The Central New York Community Foundation is celebrating its 85th Anniversary with various celebrations and grantmaking opportunities over the course of 2012.

The CNY85 Giving Project

In celebration of our 85-year anniversary, The CNY85 Giving Project will award grants to projects that are addressing Central New York's greatest needs. Winners will be decided by public vote.

Learn More

Qualifying Assets

Learn more about Giving Assets and Timeframes.

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