What is the Mercer County Civic Foundation?
The Civic Foundation is a tax-exempt organization created in 1960 to accept gifts and donations from the public, for the benefit of charitable organizations and projects in Mercer County, Ohio. Generally, these gifts establish individual ‘funds’ that are invested in a permanent endowment.  The income from this endowment is returned to the community through a grant application process to approved charitable organizations.  Grants are made to 501 (c)(3) non-profits, tax-exempt schools, churches and governmental entities.

How is the Civic Foundation organized?
The Foundation has a Board of Directors (9) who oversee all operations.  They approve all new funds, grants, and policies/procedures for the Civic Foundation.

How many funds does the Civic Foundation have?
Over 100. Each fund is individually administered according to the donor’s wishes and for accounting purposes, but all the funds are pooled together for investing purposes.  There are 8 different kinds of funds:
             Unrestricted
             Field of Interest
             Designated
             Scholarship Grant
             Scholarship Loan
             Donor-Advised
             Non-Permanent/Project
            Operating
            Agency

To whom do the funds belong?
Fund contributions become assets of the Civic Foundation and, as such, are under the control of the Board of Directors.  The Civic Foundation is organized for charitable purposes and should not be confused with a bank or an investment service.  When you give money to the Civic Foundation, in tax language you make a completed gift over which you can no longer exert control. That way you receive the maximum tax deduction allowable.

What services does the Civic Foundation provide to donors/funds?
Management and Investment of Funds
Annual Reports to Donors
Advisory services to donors and non-profit organizations
Handling of all Government Reporting Requirements
Grant Programs, Scholarships and Student Loans
Acknowledging and receipting of Contributions
Public Relations/Marketing Services

How does the Civic Foundation differ from a private foundation?
We derive our assets from many donors (the public) rather than one donor (a family or single individual).  Our board is made up of diverse residents of the geographic area we serve (Mercer County), who are non-compensated.  Because we are a public charity, we can offer greater tax benefits to donors, pay no excise taxes on income, and have more flexibility in our operations.

What are your current assets?
Approximately $7 million dollars. The Civic Foundation has established financial agreements with Community First Bank & Trust and Edward Jones & Co.  Fund performance is reviewed regularly by the investment committee.

Is there a minimum or maximum size to start a fund?
The minimum dollar amount for a new named fund is $5,000.  Scholarship funds require a $25,000 minimum. Contributions can be made to existing funds in any amount.

What kind of assets can I contribute?
Almost any asset can be used to start a fund.  We have established funds with cash, appreciated securities, mutual fund shares and real property.  You can also name the Civic Foundation in your will.  Any unusual gift should be approved in advance by the Civic Foundation.

What are the costs involved? 
There is no charge to start the fund.  Administrative cost have been less than 1% of the total asset of the fund, for the last several years. 

What is a Donor-advised fund?
A donor may establish a fund for grantmaking that allows them to make grant suggestions to the Board of Directors.  The Board will consider the advisement, as long as the grants would be permissible under the Foundation’s charitable laws.  The Board is free to accept or reject the advice of the donor.  By law, you cannot suggest a grant through which you would receive any personal benefit (i.e. membership fees, pledges, tickets to charitable events, etc.).

What happens to the Donor-advised fund after my death?
After a donor’s death, the fund can continue to be advised by individuals named by the fund founder (the person who signed the fund agreement).  If no succeeding advisor is named, the Board of Director’s will distribute the grants according to the terms established in the fund agreement.

May I suggest grants to help a needy person with college costs? 
No.  You cannot support a particular needy person with a charitable contribution.  You may, however, set up a scholarship fund for groups of people (the high school senior class, for example) with certain criteria (grade point average or financial need).

How do I apply for a scholarship grant or loan?
Call (419-586-9950) or e-mail (mccf@bright.net) the Civic Foundation office, and we can give you specific information or applications.