Why should I give through the community foundation instead of directly to the charity or charities of my choice?

• Your charitable priorities might shift. Certain problems disappear over time and many agencies eventually go out of business. Fifty years from now an organization worthy of support may exist. A community foundation is designed to carry out a donor’s wishes in perpetuity and deal with changing issues.

Are permanent endowments really that important?

• Increasingly so, as public funding and corporate gifts decline.

How will the Manatee Community Foundation continue to support itself?

• A 1% administrative fee is charged on endowment funds. We continually seek to increase our administrative endowment and we solicit additional gifts and grants.

How can you achieve economies of scale when the organization is still young?

• Our supportive organizational arrangement with The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, enables us to pool our funds with their considerable resources resulting in reduced management costs.

 What are the advantages of a community foundation over a private foundation?

• Tax savings: contributions to a community foundation qualify for the tax deduction allowed by law. In addition, the foundation handles all the reports, audits and other paperwork. The donor does not incur the cost of establishing a separate foundation.

 Will the community foundation compete with the United Way or other agencies for dollars?

• It is our goal to cooperate with all other agencies in keeping charitable dollars at home in our community to address the needs of our community. The community foundation can serve all charitable interests including the arts and environment, not just human services. Philanthropy encourages philanthropy

Why should business support the Manatee Community Foundation?

• Successful community foundations impact and address the needs of the community residents, serve as a catalyst for change, encourage efficiency in the charitable sector, bring outside money into the community and bring new and improved services to area residents

  • A healthy and spirited community with a minimum of social problems provides the best environment in which to live, work and carry on a productive business.

  • Community Foundations offer a vehicle for several businesses to combine resources to address local issues.

  • Community Foundations serve a resource of information about community needs and can assist businesses in identifying needs.