We’re here to make this as simple as possible.
Whether you’re interested in giving to a fund or opening one of your own, you’re bound to have questions. Here are the answers to some of the questions we hear most often.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 15th of every month.
The CPCF can only give to 501(c)(3) organizations or organizations that meet the IRS’ 60% limit ruling.
Scholarship checks are written to the school but sent to the student so the student can submit them to their school. These checks are sent by the end of July.
There is no minimum to start a fund; however, there is a minimum administration fee of 1.5% or $150 per year.
A community foundation is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization that focuses funds donated by its citizens to local issues and those interests of each donor. Unlike other foundations whose assets may come from a single source and whose purpose is strictly defined, a community foundation is a pool of money from civic-minded people to meet a wide range of needs.
Funds are created by individuals, families, and corporations with a desire to give back. Each fund may have different parameters. The CPCF will help you craft a plan to ensure that your money serves your specific, desired purpose, and that you, or the person in whose name the foundation is established, will be forever honored. No matter your interest or gift size, the CPCF offers many ways in which you can make a difference in Central PA.
There is no minimum amount to start a fund. The administrative fees charged by the Endowment for a fund are as follows:
- 1.5% of the first $100,000 or $150 whichever is greater
- 1.25% of the next $100,001-$499,999
- 1% of any amount over $500,000
Administrative fees will be collected on a quarterly basis.
NOTE: For a pass-through account, a maximum fee of 2.5% will be charged as determined by the Finance Committee based on duties and administrative responsibilities.
Donor-advised grants are made to 501(c)(3) organizations in the United States. Through donor-advised grants, the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation is able to support local arts and culture; health and human services; education and scholarship; and other fields of interest.
For information about our competitive grants process, visit our Grants Page. Annually in March, we hold a seminar to explain the process.
No. Though we do award many scholarships to graduating high school seniors, each of our scholarships has a different criterion for eligibility. If you are a high school senior, you should inquire with your guidance counselor. Other questions can be directed to the Foundation at [email protected].
If you are completing your post-secondary studies, see your school’s financial aid officer. For a list of and applications for scholarships that are available to students who are home-schooled contact our office.
A community foundation allows people to establish a charitable fund without having to address the complexities involved with the administration of the fund. The CPCF offers long-term stability, convenience, credibility, and expertise in financial management and grantmaking. Additionally, by pooling dollars together, even the smallest fund is able to achieve investment returns enhanced by the scale of the collective.
The CPCF is a community foundation managing a pool of several hundred funds. These funds were created by generous community members and corporations with an interest in improving the quality of life in Central Pennsylvania. We have awarded millions of dollars in grants and scholarships.
No, the CPCF does not provide small games of chance licenses.
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