Fund FAQs

How do I create a fund?

Creating a fund at The Cape Cod Foundation is easy and straightforward. As a donor, you have considerable flexibility in deciding how your fund will be managed to meet your charitable goals. You may name the fund after yourself or your family, or create a memorial to someone special. Every grant made from the fund will carry the name you choose. If you prefer anonymity, you can choose a name that reflects your fund’s charitable purposes.

The Cape Cod Foundation offers six different types of funds.  LEARN MORE

What’s the best time to give?

You may create a fund during your lifetime, or through a will or trust as a Legacy Fund. Tax deductions are earned at the time of the gift, while grantmaking from your fund continues into the future.

What kinds of assets can be used to create a fund?

You can use almost any kind of asset to start a fund, including cash, publicly-traded securities, qualified retirement plans, and insurance policies. With prior approval of the Foundation Board of Directors, you may also be able to use real estate or tangible personal property to establish a fund. Gifts of long-term appreciated property earn tax deductions for their full market value, while eliminating any tax on the capital gains.  LEARN MORE

How much does it cost to establish a fund at The Cape Cod Foundation?

It costs nothing to set up a fund. The donor signs a fund agreement provided by the Foundation; therefore, no legal fees are involved. Each fund held by the Foundation is subject to two fees: (1) An administrative fee: For funds in the Foundation’s investment pool, the annualized administrative fee is assessed on the total market value and ranges based on the size and type of fund. The administrative fee is set by the Board of Directors and is used by the Foundation to support fund administration and the Foundation’s work in the community. The minimum annual fee is $250. (2) Investment Management Fee: Each fund in the Foundation’s investment pool is subject to a fee for custody of assets and investment management. These fees are based on the market value of the funds under management and are paid directly to the investment managers. The fees are assessed monthly. Over the past year, total investment management fees have ranged between 40 and 50 basis points. fee policy

Is there a minimum gift for starting a fund?

An initial gift of $10,000 is required for a named, permanent fund, with the exception of a named, permanent scholarship fund, which requires a minimum of $25,000. Smaller gifts can be made to start the fund with a plan to add in a few years. There is no minimum for a nonpermanent fund.