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.

    Record number of grants made during 2009/2010

    Our final calculations for our end of year accounts have shown that we distributed £913,000 in grants to 255 groups during 2009/2010.
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    The Community Foundation Demonstrates Quality

    The Community Foundation Demonstrates Quality

    Wiltshire and Swindon are one of the first two Community Foundations to receive enhanced quality accreditation as part of a pilot project for the Community Foundation Network.
    Read more »

Donors Frequently Asked Questions