FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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General
For Grantseekers/Grantmaking
For Donors: Ways of Giving
For Donors: Establishing a Fund
For Fundholders: Managing a Fund

General

What services do you provide?

What ways do you evaluate the work of the Community Foundation, beyond asset growth and return on investment?

What is a community foundation?

For Grantseekers

How do I apply for scholarships that the Community Foundation administers?

When are the next grant deadlines?

How do I apply for a grant?

Does the foundation fund camperships (payments for someone to attend a camp?)

Can someone help me write a grant?

Who makes decisions about grants given out to the community?

Do you know of other funding sources available for not-for-profit organizations?

My organization works in all of NYS, including your service area. Can I apply for a grant?

Which program areas does the Community Foundation support?

Can I apply for a grant from a specific fund?

How often can an organization apply for funding from the Community Foundation?

Do you give money to individuals, especially for rent, college, day care, or starting a business?

Can I receive a grant if my organization does not yet have 501(c)(3) status, but has applied for it?

Can other types of not-for-profits, other than 501(c)(3), receive funding?

How does an organization achieve 501(c)(3) status?

What is a 501(c)(3)?

Who is eligible to receive a grant from the Community Foundation?

Ways of Giving

Who can I speak to about the best giving option for me?

Are there options for giving that provide me with income during my lifetime?

How can I make a gift to the Community Foundation?

Why would I give to the Community Foundation instead of directly to a charity?

What are the advantages of giving through the Community Foundation?

How should I make my check out when I send in my donation?

Where can I send money to assist victims of a disaster?

Can I give to a particular fund?

Can I give money to support Central New York without establishing a fund?

Establishing a Fund

I want to set up a fund. What do I do now?

What is the Legacy Society?

What is the difference between participating and non-participating donor-advised funds?

What is the benefit of an endowed fund?

How much money do I need to start a fund?

Do I need a lawyer to set up a fund?

Can I get my fund back?

How is my fund invested?

What fees will I pay if I establish a fund? Are there any start-up costs?

What is the first step to establish a fund?

Managing a Fund

How do I add money to my fund?

How do I suggest a distribution from my fund?

What is the balance in my account? Could you please send me a statement?

How will I know how much I have available in the fund to make recommendations for grants?

Can I access my account information online?

Can I get my fund back?

Can I fundraise for my fund?

May I serve on the board of an organization and recommend a grant to it from my donor-advised fund?

Are there any restrictions?

How often should I recommend grants from my fund?

May I recommend a multi-year grant from my fund?

May I recommend a grant to an individual?

What kind of organization may I recommend for grants?

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News & Announcements

Vocational Rehabilitation Fund Accepting Applications

Ten Dollars and a Dream: A Call to Action

Mark Your Calendar

March 31, 2010 - Cayuga Fund Grant Application Deadline

April 9, 2010 - Community Grant Application Deadline

April 27, 2010 - Women's Fund Spring 2010 Grant Award Celebration

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Newsletter

Fall/Winter 2009 Smart Giving

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Annual Report

View our 2009 Annual Report

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Read descriptions of each of our funds.

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