Building Sustainability Through Endowment Funds
We believe helping our local nonprofits to become more sustainable and financially secure is vital. Endowment funds are an important tool in ensuring that long term viability. By creating a steady, long-term income source, endowment funds help nonprofit organizations weather the financial highs and lows that can impact daily operations. YouthBridge assists nonprofits in establishing and administering their funds through our Endowment Building services.
Endowment funds can also encourage donor contributions. They create a centralized point to collect and grow donations, simplifying fundraising appeals. They also reassure donors that your organization is stable and their contributions will make an impact for years to come.
YouthBridge Community Foundation has been instrumental in helping a number of nonprofits establish their endowment funds, most recently CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Southwestern Illinois and Stray Rescue of St. Louis. “Starting this endowment fund has been a long term goal for us, and we’re all so excited,” said Aimee Dearsley, aka Princess Poodle, Senior Development Manager of Stray Rescue of St. Louis.
Both organizations received a boost in their initial funding through matching funds. Stray Rescue received a grant from the William S. Anheuser Charitable Fund, which covers animal welfare in its giving guidelines. CASA was able to benefit from YouthBridge’s own matching endowment fund program, for organizations that primarily serve children and youth.
For more information on how YouthBridge can help your organization get started with an endowment fund, including communicating to your board their value in generating income and funding long-term initiatives, give us a call at (314) 985-6778. Please note, YouthBridge Community Foundation is not a Registered Investment Advisor, does not provide investment advice, and does not receive any compensation related to the investment of agency endowment assets.