Site Search

Donate w/ your CREDIT or DEBIT CARD

TOOLS FOR AFFILIATED FUNDS



 Best Practices of Local Community Foundations

As we travel around the State of Nebraska, we are often asked,  “Why are some communities more successful in building their community foundation?”  As a part of the benefits of being affiliated with the Nebraska Community Foundation, we want to share some of their secrets of success.

The Nebraska Community Foundation has affiliations with communities in 63 of Nebraska’s 93 counties. After meeting hundreds of community leaders and observing their efforts, this list of “best practices” has emerged. The following list shows some of the methods that are being used by communities who are having success with growing their local foundation funds.

As a service to our Affiliated Funds NCF also sends a monthly "Best Practices" email with refreshing ideas on building your local community foundation.  To see previous Best Practices emails see our archive.  If you would like to be put on our email list please contact us at info@nebcommfound.org 

The best practices have been divided into two categories, those having to do with organization (administration) and those having to do with fundraising (development).

ADMINISTRATION / GOVERNANCE ISSUES

Those communities enjoying the most success with their local community foundation efforts are invariably those with boards and committees who are well organized. Progressive communities have taken the time to strategically plan the structure of their organization.  MORE  
  1. Expectations of Board Members  
  2. Strategically Chosen Board Members  
  3. Regularly Scheduled Meetings of the Fund Advisory Committee  
  4. Structured Meetings  
  5. By Laws  
  6. Mission Statement  

DEVELOPMENT / EDUCATION / OUTREACH

Those funds having the most success in growing the assets of their local foundation have board and committee members who understand the importance of developing a relationship with donors. Several methods are used.  MORE

  1. Emphasis on Issue-Orientated Funds  
  2. Emphasize Unrestricted Endowments  
  3. Understanding the Difference between Income and Assets

  4. Membership Dues.

  5. Strategic Grant Making  
  6. Emphasis on Donor Advised Funds  
  7. Professional Advisor Contacts  
  8. Media Contacts

  9. Alumni

Return to Top

Nebraska Community Foundation

PO Box 83107

Lincoln, NE  68501

Phone: (402) 323-7330    Fax: (402) 323-7349

E-mail: webmaster@nebcommfound.org