Frequently Asked Questions - Donors

Why give through a Community Foundation rather than establishing my own charitable trust?

The Community Foundation for Wiltshire & Swindon can provide advice on community needs and grantmaking, whereas a lawyer managing a charitable trust does not have this capacity. The Community Foundation handles all financial administration and reporting, and funds are carefully managed under the governance of the board of Trustees.

What is the minimum contribution needed to start a Named Fund?

A Foundation Fund requires a commitment to donate at least £500 per annum to build up to a Fund of at least £5,000. Donors can pay monthly, quarterly or annually.

A Named Fund requires a commitment to build a fund of at least £20,000 with Annual donations of £5,000 or more.

What is your investment policy?

The investment of donations to Named Funds and Pooled Funds is overseen by the Board of Trustees.

An Investment Committee makes recommendations to the Board. The bulk of our donors’ endowment funds are currently invested in Common Investment Funds, providing steady growth and regular income for grants.

How much do you charge?

The fees we charge our donors are kept to a minimum, but allow us to cover the cost of our grant-making operation and to manage and administer donors’ funds effectively and efficiently. Our current charges are:

A 3% one-off charge on donations to Named Funds
An annual charge of no more than 1% of the market value of endowment funds taken
from income
A 10% charge on flow through funds.

The charges cover the cost of administering funds and assessing and managing grants. The Community Foundation’s other running costs are covered by donors who recognize the need for a Community Foundation in Wiltshire and Swindon.

What if I want to change the type of groups that I give to?

You can amend your Gift Agreement at any time to include new or alter the types of community groups you want to support.

Wiltshire Police Authority Fund

We are now welcoming applications to the Wiltshire Police Authoity Fund. Grants will support projects which seek to bring communities together to tackle local issues, improving trust and understanding.
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Surviving Winter Update

£28,000 has been raised to date and we are asking older and vulnerable people in need to contact the following organisations to access the extra support that they need.
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Surviving Winter

“Staying warm and healthy in our cold winters is something most of us take for granted. However, when the idea of those more fortunate “handing on” their winter fuel payments to local, vulnerable people was presented, I wanted to pledge my payment to the “Surviving Winter Appeal”. It would be great to think that all those people who are in a position to forego part or all of their own winter fuel payment could join this great scheme and spread a little warmth”. Sir David Jason
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