Types of Funds
Whatever your age, whatever your means, whatever your background, you have ideas for your charitable giving. You may want to support an organization you value or perhaps you have interests in a few different fields. When you open a charitable fund within the Community Foundation, you benefit the causes that matter most to you.
Which type of charitable fund is right for me?
We will work with you to find a fund best suited to meet your charitable goals. Consider a:
- Designated Fund: Open a fund to provide ongoing support to a particular charitable organization or unit of government that matters to you. Designated Funds can be set up as either permanent endowed funds or as shorter-term, non-endowed project-based funds. Designated Fund Flyer
- Donor-Advised Fund: You, and those you appoint, may use your fund to recommend grants to charitable organizations in the Fort Atkinson area. Donor-Advised Fund Flyer
- Field of Interest Fund: Identify a few areas of interest that you would like to support such as recreation, beautification, or the arts, and the board will review applications and award grants from your fund to organizations whose projects dovetail with your interests. Field of Interest Fund Flyer
- Scholarship Fund: Offer financial assistance to area students based on guidelines that you help establish. Scholarship Fund Flyer
- Acorn Fund: Start small and work your way up into one of the four endowed funds described above. Acorn Fund Flyer
The Fort Atkinson Community Foundation is home to 80 funds – all of which are described below and all of which are working to improve our community. We are indebted to our donors.
Our Portfolio of Funds
The General Fund
Many donors choose to give to the foundation’s General Fund. Many of our grants are awarded from this flexible fund which allows the foundation to respond quickly to the changing needs of the community. Over the years, the accumulation of even the smallest of gifts have allowed us to make important grants to benefit the community.
Scholarship Funds (46)
Click here for fund descriptions
Designated Funds (19)
Click here for fund descriptions
Field of Interest Funds (7)
Click here for fund descriptions
Donor-Advised Funds (8)
Click here for fund listing
Acorn Funds (0)
Fee Schedule
Our administrative fees support the mission of the Community Foundation. They cover staff time and other expenses incurred in the offering, selecting and awarding of scholarships; reviewing and awarding of grant requests; processing of gifts; managing charitable funds; publication of an annual report; oversight of investment performance; donor relations; and other functions that ensure the ability of the Foundation to carry out its broader purpose. Board members are volunteer and serve without compensation.
Endowed Funds (invested)
Designated Fund .6% on the first $500,000; .2% on the remainder
Donor-Advised Fund .6% on the first $500,000; .2% on the remainder
Field of Interest .6% on the first $500,000; .2% on the remainder
Scholarship Fund 1% on the first $500,000; .5% on the remainder
Non-Endowed Funds (not invested)
Designated Project Funds .5% on donations up to $100,000; .1% on the remainder
Scholarship Fund 2% on donations
Acorn Fund
No administrative fees are assessed until the fund balance reaches the minimum endowment level of $15,000.