How to Give - FAQ
What does it cost to set up a Fund at the Community Foundation?
A minimum of £50,000 for an endowment Fund and £10,000 per year for a ‘flow through’ Fund. These donations will usually qualify for tax relief. Acorn Funds can be set up for £1,000 pa and paid in monthly donations of £65 plus Gift Aid. More information, visit Set up A Fund
How much do you charge? What are the costs?
We try and keep our costs to a minimum. We charge a fee for the administration of your fund. This includes all administration, grant assessment and investment management.
Current fees
- 1% of market value of endowment Funds of £250,000 and over
- 1.25% of market value of endowment Funds under £250,000
- 1.25% of the market value of Acorn Funds
- 10% of flow through Funds
Where can I give out grants/what area do you cover?
Grants can only be made to organisations and projects working in Tyne & Wear and Northumberland.
Can you accept gifts of shares?
Yes. You can avoid capital gains tax and claim income tax relief on gifts of shares to charity. You will find more information in the section on Gifts of Shares
Who can use Gift Aid?
Anyone who has paid enough income tax or capital gains tax in the current financial year to cover the amount reclaimed by us. A donor giving £100 needs to have paid at least £28 income tax or capital gains tax.
Can I decide where the money from my Fund goes?
Yes, you set criteria for your Fund such as older people or education and we will recommend projects for you to support. You choose which projects and how much to award them. All grants are ratified by our Board of Directors.
Can my staff be involved in grant making?
Yes. Many of our corporate Funds have staff committees who make the decisions on grants.
Does my Fund need a separate set of trustees?
No. All the grants are ratified by our Board of Directors
Can I change the criteria of my Fund?
Yes, as long as the projects supported are for 'charitable' purposes.
For more information about setting up a Fund and how the Fund would work, please contact Peter Storey
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