FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Our staff members are more than happy to answer any questions you have about the Steuben County Community Foundation. Click the sections below to learn more about our answers to frequently asked questions. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, you can give us a call at (260) 665-6656 or contact us here.

A community foundation is a tax-exempt public charity created by and for the people in a specific geographic area. It enables people with philanthropic interests to easily and effectively support the issues they are about- immediately or through their estate plans.

Our Board of Directors is composed of civic-minded leaders who set the strategy and goals of SCCF. Board members are chosen for their professional expertise and understanding of community issues. Day-to-day activities are carried out by a dedicated and professional staff. You can learn more about our board members and staff on this page.

The SCCF Board of Directors and committees are run by volunteers. Contact us for more information on how to volunteer for SCCF.

Donors may give to existing funds or establish a charitable fund by contributing a variety of assets. Community endowment funds allow gifts to grow and be leveraged with other gifts, allowing larger grants with greater impact. Donors may also recommend grants through their own funds to charitable, 501(c)(3) organizations they wish to support.

A fund is a pool of money with a designated charitable purpose. Establishing a fund can serve as an ideal opportunity to create a legacy for you, your family, and your community. SCCF offers donors the ability to name, contribute, and decide the purpose of the fund. For information on starting a fund contact Jennifer Danic at 260-665-6656 or jdanic@steubenfoundation.org.

Yes, you can support any of the 200+ funds held at SCCF at any time. However, there is a $5,000 minimum to establish a new named fund. (The minimum to establish a new scholarship fund is $25,000). Click here to donate now!

A financial statement of the fund’s performance is mailed or emailed to all donors on an annual basis. You may contact our office anytime by calling (260) 665-6656 or by sending us an email to check the current status of your fund.

First and foremost, a community foundation represents simplicity. Your local community foundation acts as a “one-stop-shop” for all your charitable giving needs, with the benefit of local knowledge about community needs. Gifts to a community foundation also receive the maximum tax advantages for income, gift, and estate tax purposes. A community foundation can also receive unique assets including grain and collectibles. Finally, a community foundation offers permanence, ensuring your gift and legacy will last forever.

Yes, at SCCF we encourage donors to work with a financial advisor because a professional advisor assists clients in achieving their philanthropic goals or plans for their final estate. Financial advisors have the ability to walk clients through tax implications or other goals of their estate. SCCF is happy to work with a financial advisor to fulfill a donor’s wishes.

For more information on how to apply for grants, please visit our grants page.

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