Frequently Asked Questions…
What is the Amador Community Foundation?
The Amador Community Foundation is a publicly supported tax exempt 501©3 organization. We use donated funds to support all areas of the local nonprofit community. We are established and operated as a permanent collection of endowed funds and spendable funds for the long-term benefit of Amador County.
How does the Amador Community Foundation invest its assets?
The Amador Community Foundation retains an investment firm that has over 25 years of proven expertise in portfolio return. We maintain conservative investment practices and prudent oversite to ensure our donor dollars get the highest return on investment.
How does the Foundation obtain funds?
The Amador Community Foundation actively seeks contributions of permanent endowment funds from a wide range of donors who are generally residents of the area and provides assistance to those donors in fulfilling their philanthropic interests. The Foundation may also write grants for funds from private and family foundations. For example, the Amador Community Foundation was awarded a matching grant from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation. For every endowment dollar raised the Packard Foundation matched it one for one.
Can Amador Community Foundation accept donations other than gifts?
Yes – The Amador Community Foundation can accept gifts of appreciated securities, real property, retirement distributions, insurance proceeds and in some cases personal property. We can be named as the beneficiary in a will or trust or life insurance. The Amador Community Foundation offers the maximum charitable deduction allowed by law for estate, gift planning and all other donations and is able to work directly with professionals providing financial and legal expertise.
Who receives grants from the Amador Community Foundation?
The Amador Community Foundation has established guidelines and processes for distributing grants. Unrestricted funds are awarded in a competitive process and restricted grants are awarded to organizations or areas of interest designated by the donor. Grant guidelines and applications are available at our website or by calling the office at 209-223-2148.
What happens if the Amador Community Foundation ceases to exist?
Donor intent will always be followed and is irrevocably dedicated to charitable purposes. In the event ACF can no longer manage its funds, these funds will be transferred to a neighboring foundation to manage as the donor intended.
How does the Amador Community Foundation help our community beyond making grants?
The Amador Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that make a difference here in Amador County. We have the connections in the community to apply resources that improve the quality of life for the citizens of Amador County today and for generations to come. We have the resources to support immediate needs and sustainability for causes that matter. As staffing allows, we may also provide technical advice to community organizations in the grant preparation process.
Amador Community Foundation organizes a single day of giving for Amador County bringing together local nonprofits under one regional effort to raise much-needed funds and awareness for organizations serving our community all year long. Starting with 13 charities in 2013 #GivingTuesday has raised nearly $1Million dollars, granting funds right back to nearly 60 local charities doing vital work in our community. Held annually the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, our generous community supports #GivingTuesday with a very big heart! More Info: https://giveamador.org/