Frequently Asked Questions

Marion Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization in Ohio. It is approved by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity. The Foundation was created by people in the community to help improve life in Marion County, Ohio.

People can donate money to create special funds that support causes they care about. The Foundation invests and manages these funds. The money earned is then used to support local charities, based on the donors’ wishes and with approval from the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Learn more about our history by clicking HERE.

An endowment at Marion Community Foundation is a fund meant to last forever. The donated money is invested, and the earnings are used to award grants and scholarships. Learn more about types of funds by clicking HERE.

Marion Community Foundation is a local organization led by a Board of 15 volunteers who live or work in Marion County (Ohio). The board includes attorneys, educators, financial experts, and business leaders who care about the community. Members serve 3-year terms and may be reappointed. Learn more about our Board of Directors by clicking HERE. And, our staff HERE.

A contribution of $12,000 is required to create most types of funds; $25,000 is required to create a scholarship fund. Funds can also be established with less and added to over time; known as Acorn Funds. Similarly, Legacy funds can be created with as little as $100 and added to in the future through estate and planned giving. With both of these options, endowment funds begin making awards when the minimum contribution is reached. And, a gift of any size can be added to any existing fund. Learn more about the types of funds available by clicking HERE.

Actually, it’s quite easy.  If you have a financial plan to create an endowment fund and a charitable goal, we can create a vehicle for you to do good things forever. We would be happy to meet and work with you and your professional advisors. Learn more about starting a charitable endowment fund by clicking HERE.

Yes. Since Marion Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity, donors can enjoy the maximum tax advantages allowed by law.

Yes. An outright gift of cash is the most common form of gift; however, securities, real estate and personal property, as well as other forms of assets, can also be donated.  In fact, gifts of appreciated securities and other property can provide extra tax advantages.  Call us at (740) 387-9704 to find out more. Click HERE to explore ways to give to create a fund.

Yes. Anyone can make a gift of any size to any existing fund. You may search our list of existing funds here.

Yes.  We can help you and your professional advisors with opportunities and suggested language.  Call us at 740-387-9704 and ask to speak with Donor Relations. Information on ways to give can be found by clicking HERE.

Marion Community Foundation’s investment decisions are governed by an Investment Policy, which was carefully crafted by the Foundation’s Investment Committee and Chief Investment Officer.  Marion Community Foundation has hired locally-based investment advisors to manage its assets in accordance with the terms of the Investment Policy.  The Investment Committee and Chief Investment Officer continually monitor the performance of our local advisors.  It is our fiduciary responsibility to make certain that our donors’ endowed funds last forever.

Yes. A carefully crafted Spending Policy determines how much your fund will spend for charitable grants and scholarships.  It assures that the fund will last forever, but spends as much as fiscally reasonable for causes that are important to you.  Our Investment Policy assures that your gifts will be invested prudently and wisely.  Marion Community Foundation undergoes a full audit every year by an independent auditing firm.  Marion Community Foundation is managed by an experienced and dedicated staff and is governed by a Board of Directors that takes its fiduciary responsibilities very seriously.

Marion Community Foundation awards grants from its endowment funds year-round, according to the wishes of the fund creators. A competitive Community Grants Program supporting Marion area charities and nonprofits is offered annually; this application period is June-July and awards are made in September.  The Scholarship Program has an annual application period in January-February, with awards announced in late May and paid in August for the following academic year. The TEACH Grant Program and Racial Equity & Justice Grant Program both have application periods in February-March and award in May. Applications for all grant programs are located HERE.