Bentonville, AR - For agencies wanting to build an endowment or simply enlarge the one already in place, the Northwest Arkansas Community Foundation will offer two free workshops on agency endowments at different locations and dates. Those two dates are March 8 at the Community Health and Wellness in Rooms 5 & 6 at 610 E. Emma in Springdale and March 13 at the Rogers Public Library, 711 S. Dixieland Road. The times for both workshops will be 9 - 10:30 a.m.
The dual purpose of the workshops is to help nonprofits attract an endowment or build the one already in place by placing the agency funds with the same financial managers used by NWACF and CommunityCare Foundation. Those attending the workshops will also learn about the additional benefits available to those agencies with an endowment in the Community Foundation.
"We feel that one of the many ways that the Foundation can help the nonprofits become stronger is through the encouragement of their own endowments. Our returns were very good this past year. We offer nonprofits the opportunity to place their funds with the same national and international financial managers who oversee the CommunityCare and NWACF endowments," stated Gene Groseclos, Chair.
Groseclos listed the numerous benefits of establishing a fund with NWACF.
"You can use our credibility to encourage new and existing donors to set aside endowment gifts. We offer a competitive rate of return. We can reduce or eliminate the ongoing burden of your board and staff to oversee and maintain a separate endowment program," explained Groseclos.
"You have access to consulting and discussing your planned giving options as we always encourage a potential donor to seek separate legal and financial advice. We even offer help and advice on fundraising issues, including capital campaigns. And most importantly, for organizations who may not be large enough to offer the more sophisticated planned giving options, we can handle the administration of remainder trust tools and gift annuities which could be designated for that particular nonprofit," finished Groseclos.
The Community Foundation will also offer another new benefit to agencies that make the decision to move or start an endowment fund with the Community Foundation. Beginning in August, agency endowments will be able to make a "wish" list of needs or special projects that need funding which will be listed in a quarterly publication mailed out to regional professional advisors and donors.
The workshop will also give information on project and scholarship funds.
"The benefits to the nonprofit is that the Community Foundation would also act as a fiscal agent for a project. The project can be short or long-term. The nonprofit benefits from the professional management of the project budget and assets; has a neutral fund manager; and the credibility of the Community Foundation's professional management," said Groseclos.
Space is limited for the two workshops. For more information on the workshops or wishing to make reservations, contact Director for Donor Relations at NWACF at 479.254.3340.
The Northwest Arkansas Community Foundation was founded in 1998 as the Community Foundation of Bentonville/Bella Vista. In November, 1999, its purpose was expanded to include all of Northwest Arkansas, and to serve as the lead public foundation operated in connection with CommunityCare Foundation, Inc.
