Find answers to frequently asked questions about our community foundation.
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RELATED Links
Grantwriting Tips
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Grantwriting Tips is a place to go for information on various types of foundations and programs and how to prepare your grant proposal.
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The Chronicle of Philanthropy
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The weekly newspaper of the non-profit world, The Chronicle of Philanthropy provides timely features about the issues of philanthropy.
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Community Foundation Locator
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Use the Community Foundation Locator website to find community foundations throughout the US.
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Council on Foundation
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A non-profit membership association of grant making foundations and corporations, the Council on Foundation promotes responsible and effective philanthropy by assisting existing and future grant makers.
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Fastweb
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Eau Claire Foundation Center
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The L.E. Phillips Memorial Library is a Foundation Center Cooperating Collection member. The Cooperating Collection provides resources for grant seekers with information about grant writing, foundations, corporate givers, and more. Grant seekers can use this free service to search the database for funding sources.
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National Foundation Center
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The Foundation Center fosters public understanding by collecting, organizing, analyzing, and disseminating information on foundations, corporate giving, and related subjects.
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Guidestar
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Guidestar is a database of more than 700,000 US non-profit organizations. It is a useful tool for donors and others searching for information on a particular charitable organization.
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Philanthropy News Network
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Philanthropy News Network is a source of national news about trends in philanthropy and specific activities of foundations, non-profits, and others engaged in philanthropy.
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Wisconsin Donors Forum
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The Wisconsin Donors Forum is a regional association of grant makers who promote and support effective philanthropy. They provide continuing education and professional support to their members and constituencies.
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What is a community foundation?
A community foundation’s primary purpose is to promote and facilitate philanthropy locally. We unite like-minded people who want to pool their resources and make a bigger impact in our community. You can contribute to an existing fund or establish a new charitable fund through our Eau Claire Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity created by and for the Eau Claire community. We are a vehicle through which individuals, businesses, and private foundations can more effectively help area non-profit organizations provide much-needed services in health, education, the arts, the environment, and social services. People do not give to the Eau Claire Community Foundation; they give through the Eau Claire Community Foundation.
Learn more about us.
Why is a community foundation important?
The Eau Claire Community Foundation pools donors’ assets to build a healthier community. We connect people who care with causes that matter. By working with local leaders who understand the needs of our community, professionals who manage and invest the money, and community non-profit organizations who make a difference, we strengthen our whole community. We also manage endowments and provide technical assistance to area non-profit organizations.
Are there other community foundations in Wisconsin?
There are several community foundations throughout Wisconsin, each is designed to serve a specific geographic region. The Eau Claire Community Foundation is the only one in Eau Claire County.
How does the foundation work and how is it funded?
The foundation establishes endowments that are invested to provide long-term support for a charitable purpose. As the endowment principal earns interest and dividends over time, a portion of the earnings is distributed annually to support non-profit organizations that reflect your interests and the needs of the community. The funds come from a variety of sources: management fees, grants, partnerships with local and national foundations, and gifts from community donors. Nearly 3,000 donors have trusted the Eau Claire Community Foundation with their charitable contributions. We manage over 100 funds totaling more than$5,000,000 as of May 31, 2010.
Learn about the different ways to make a donation.
Learn about our funds.
How is the administration of the foundation funded?
Funding for our foundation services is generated by fees from the funds we manage (approximately 60 percent of our budget), our Operations Fund, and individual donors who recognize the value of these services. Our administration budget represents less than three percent of our total assets which is an excellent ratio for a community foundation of our age and size. More than two-thirds of community foundations in our size category need to generate revenue from sources other than fees. The high level of community support of our Operation Fund gives national and regional funders the leverage they need to grant funds and build our capacity. These funders want to invest in communities that exhibit a significant, tangible commitment of local support.
How much has the foundation given and to how many organizations?
Since its founding in 1997, the Eau Claire Community Foundation has facilitated over $2 million in funding to more than 140 community organizations as of May 31, 2010. We have provided critical support for major community initiatives such as the Wells Road Park purchase, Library Capital Campaign, and Clear Vision Eau Claire. We support the local non-profit community by managing 11 agency endowment funds for community non-profit organizations.
View a list of community organizations we've recently supported.
What other services do you offer in addition to managing funds?
Besides offering a way to make it easier for you to give to local charities, we also:
 promote awareness of community needs
stimulate community giving
serve as a resource about Eau Claire County non-profit organizations
initiate new projects for the community
host forums to promote philanthropy and provide information to our donors
provide technical assistance for non-profit organizations and grantees
track grantees' progress to ensure we are make wise funding decisions
conduct workshops to support community non-profit organizations
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