What are they?

Endowment funds are one of the simplest ways to give through the community foundation. These funds, which are not restricted to any particular organization or area of need, may be used for any purpose approved by the community foundation’s board of directors.

The community foundation uses endowment funds to address both the current needs of Los Angeles County and the needs of the future. Presently, our discretionary grantmaking is focused in the areas of Arts and Human Development, Education, Health Care and Neighborhood Revitalization.

Additionally, endowment funds allow us to respond quickly to an urgent need — for example, when disaster strikes.

As the name suggests, endowment funds are a part of the permanent endowment of the California Community Foundation, ensuring that we exist in perpetuity to serve the people of Los Angeles County.

Highlights

• Endowment funds are crucial to the California Community Foundation’s mission to strengthen Los Angeles communities through effective philanthropy and civic engagement.
• Endowment funds at the community foundation address both the current and future needs of Los Angeles County.
• As conditions change, so does our grantmaking. It’s our job to know where your dollars will do the most good.
• Endowment funds can be named to recognize the donor(s), a family member, friend or organization. Or, you can select a name for the fund that ensures your anonymity.
• An endowment fund can be established with an opening balance of $25,000.
• Endowment funds can accept donations of almost any asset, and can be established as a part of your estate plan.

To learn more about endowment funds, please contact Vice President of Philanthropic Services Peter Dunn or Director of Gift Planning Carol Bradford at (213) 413-4130.