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.  MORE

What to do with a Community Endowment

A common question that many of our affiliated fund leaders ask is, “What do we do with an endowment once we grow one?”  These are the right questions to be asking.  It is much easier to motivate board members and especially donors if you have some concrete examples of things you plan to do with an endowment once it is established. 

General Accounting Policies & Procedures
In June 2002, the Foundation updated the following general guidelines and procedures regarding its accounting procedures and policies.  

• Sales Tax

• Upcoming Fundraisers

• Basic Disbursement(s) Procedure & Requirements

• Qualified Disbursements

• Scholarship Payments

• Contributions, Receipts and Money Orders

• Checking Accounts

• Petty Cash Accounts

• Reporting

• Audit

• Fund Advisory Committees

• Foundation Accounting Staff

Fundraising Policies & Guidelines

A number of fundraising tax implications that may affect affiliated funds and donors of the Foundation are listed on this page.  Please don't hesitate to contact your Regional Coordinator, Amy Fey, Accountant or Jeff Yost, President and CEO, if you have any questions regarding fundraising, associated tax implications or the Foundation's accounting services.
Sales Tax Exemption

Sales Tax on Fundraisers

Collection of Sales Tax

Charitable Tax Deductions

Administrative Forms

Instead of waiting on snail-mail for additional forms, print off your own. Make photocopies of these forms, too. 

Contribution Submission*
Disbursement Request*
Investment Authorization Form*

Model Articles of Operation

A number of affiliated funds choose to institute articles of operation to effectively run their foundation.  The Foundation has created a generic version of articles of operation for your reference when forming your affiliated fund or making changes to your existing fund.  To receive the text version by e-mail, submit your request here.  View Model Articles of Operation*


Scholarship Administration

Contains information necessary to successfully administer a scholarship from an affiliated fund of the Nebraska Community Foundation.  Includes the NCF Scholarship Administration Policy, Scholarship Selection Committee nomination forms, general guidelines, checklists, sample forms and letters. 


Guidelines for Grant Making & Administration
Contains valuable reference material for the administration of a grant from your affiliated fund.  Includes three rules, a model grants administration policy and guidelines for screening committees.  


Policy for Purchase of Certificates of Deposit

Many affiliated funds of the Foundation choose to invest a portion of charitable gifts under management within their Affiliated Fund in their local community, usually with a local bank, in the form of a Certificate of Deposit.  

Customized Brochures
The Foundation has created created customized brochures for many affiliated funds to describe the mission of their foundation, upcoming projects and events, and to provide information about charitable planned giving.  View samples here.  Please allow 2 weeks for completion.  


Investment Policy Statement
This policy was adopted by the Foundation Board of Directors on February 15, 2003 and is meant to establish understanding of the philosophy and investment objectives of the endowment funds for the Nebraska Community Foundation Board of Directors, Finance and Investment Committee, donor and investment managers.  This document includes Asset Allocation Models.  Policy in Adobe PDF. 


News to Share?

Have you received a substantial contribution? Having a large event?  Share this information with the Nebraska Community Foundation and other Foundations across the state.  

*You will need Adobe Acrobat, version 3.0 or later to read these documents.  Download Acrobat for free.

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Nebraska Community Foundation

PO Box 83107

Lincoln, NE  68501

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

E-mail: webmaster@nebcommfound.org