Letter to the Editor: Endowment funds build greater good for nonprofits

To the Editor:

Allamakee Scholarship Fund, Inc., one of the first nonprofit organizations to establish an endowment within the Allamakee County Community Foundation, received its first endowment gift of $3,300 in 2008.

Since then, donors have helped grow the fund to promote area education. The nonprofit receives an annual payout of five percent of the average fund balance to help sustain its important mission. These annual payouts will continue and be a source of support it can rely on forever.

Allamakee Scholarship Fund, Inc. is not alone. In Allamakee County, dedicated forward-focused board members have established permanent funds which preserve area history, education and health. This year, these funds paid out more than $17,000 to provide long-term support for local organizations.

Agency endowment funds allow nonprofits to safeguard their original investment while building a stable funding stream for the future. As a Community Foundation nonprofit partner, organizations also enjoy additional benefits and resources to help connect with donors and grow the endowment fund.

The power of endowment is in its continuity. Endowments are permanent funds in which the principal is invested while the earnings are distributed annually to the philanthropic cause of your choice.

For example, when Dennis died, I created an Allamakee County Afterschool Fund Endowment in his memory. From time to time, individuals have donated to this endowment. I would like to encourage you to support afterschool programs and the many students being served in our community in this manner.

Could your library, school, church or community organization benefit from the long-term support a Community Foundation endowment could offer? View our list of funds at www.dbqfoundaiton.org/accf or call the Allamakee County Community Foundation at 563-586-2046 to learn how you can create an endowment fund that will provide for community needs today and forever.

Barb Winters-Kelly
Board Member
Allamakee County
Community Foundation