Pacific Community Foundation
FAQ’s
What is a Community Foundation?
Community foundations, according to the Council on Foundations, are grant-making public charities that are dedicated to improving the lives of people in a defined local geographic area. Community foundations vary widely in asset size, ranging from less than $100,000 to more than $1.7 billion. More than 900 community foundations operate in urban and rural areas in every state in the United States.
What region and communities does Pacific Community Foundation serve?
PCF serves the Pacific County community on the south coast of Washington. While our original focus was on south Pacific County, today we work county-wide with nonprofit organizations to benefit all areas of our community. This includes west Wahkiakum County, which sends its children to school in Naselle.
What kinds of organizations does PCF support?
PCF does not have one specific area of focus but rather serves a wide variety of nonprofits in our community, including those in the areas of education, health and human services, arts, environment, critical needs, youth and child care, and more. We continually evaluate current issues and needs, and provide a platform for existing and new organizations to become known to a larger pool of potential donors.
Do existing organizations have to put their funds (monies) into this organization?
No. Existing organizations continue to manage their own funds (monies) as they wish. There is no requirement or expectation that they give up any control over their own assets. Only donations that come to PCF are managed by PCF for the benefit of specific organizations. These include pass-through donations, capital/project fundraising, and endowments. Endowments managed by PCF are permanent assets of PCF, all other types of funds are short term, with the money eventually going to the designated nonprofit.
Why be a donor through PCF?
Pacific Community Foundation provides “one stop” donating, allowing you to contribute to multiple organizations using a variety of financial instruments. In addition to cash, PCF provides ways to easily donate stocks, bonds, retirement account funds, and other assets.
How can I give to PCF?
The PCF website provides links to multiple options for giving, starting with online donations via credit card. Contact us for specifics relating to non-cash donations.
How does a community foundation differ from a private foundation?
A community foundation provides donors with the opportunity to contribute to multiple nonprofits in its geographic region. Donors can gain the full tax benefit of annual donations with fewer restrictions than with private foundations, and they can also make anonymous donations, unlike private foundations.
May I make a named donation to celebrate an elder in my family?
Yes, we accept donations in the name of a remembered person.
What services do donors receive?
PCF provides donors with a single stop, easy pathway to donate to multiple organizations. PCF generates tax receipts promptly, and for those who make multiple donations during a calendar year, generates a summary tax receipt at year end.
What does a Community Foundation do?
Community foundations make it simple for donors to give to organizations in their area while giving nonprofit organizations a place to go for asset management. Bringing together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses, community foundations play a key role in identifying and solving community problems, giving to a wide range of nonprofit activities, including arts and education, health and human services, environment, and disaster relief.
What is the benefit to the community?
PCF believes that our community thrives through connections that engage volunteers and encourage contributions. To that end, we provide leadership and inspiration, and strive for excellence in creating permanent, positive changes in our community and region.
We also invest in our community by building and managing endowments, hosting educational classes for nonprofits, and making grants that encourage social justice, fairness, and stewardship.
Does a Community Foundation compete with existing nonprofit organizations?
No. Community foundations help increase donations of all kinds in the communities where they are active. They do not have memberships or annual dues, nor do they hold traditional fundraising events (auctions, galas, etc.).
PCF also helps nonprofits raise money by providing educational workshops and, through our Giving Catalog, dedicated funds; it also manages capital campaign funds for nonprofits.
Who governs PCF?
Pacific Community Foundation is a federally recognized public charity with 501(c)(3) status and registered as a nonprofit corporation in the State of Washington, and is governed by a Board of Directors.
What are the financial benefits and tax advantages?
The principal benefit is that PCF provides resources for multiple types of donations, not simply cash donations. Tax benefits are as allowed by state and federal law. If you have a need for complex tax planning, please consult a qualified tax preparer.
How about donations of my old car, family art work, jewelry, my uncle’s antique tool collection, or my great-aunt’s looms?
Used vehicles can be donated, along with proceeds from the sale of real or personal property such as art work and jewelry. PCF is not yet set up to take donations of land or other assets that are intended for long term appreciation. If you have a question about a specific type of donation, please contact us.
Can I give anonymously?
Yes, any donation can be made anonymously. PCF will keep your donation information secure.