Funds
Differences in community foundation size are reflected in their different operating models and product focus.
Download Data in ExcelEndowed and Non-Endowed Assets
Smaller community foundations tend to have a much higher proportion of endowed assets than their larger counterparts.
Product Mix
Donor-advised funds tend to make up a more significant portion of assets in larger community foundations, which, while also having a higher proportion of non-endowed assets, could be reflective of their ability to provide flexible grantmaking options to their donors.
All
$50M - $100M
- Donor-advised funds
- Discretionary funds
- All other funds
| Size of Foundation | Donor-advised funds | Discretionary funds | All other funds |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0-$25M | 10% | 25% | 64% |
| $25-$50M | 17% | 18% | 64% |
| $50-$100M | 27% | 21% | 52% |
| $100-$250M | 24% | 18% | 58% |
| $250-$500M | 36% | 15% | 49% |
| $500M+ | 35% | 13% | 52% |
| All | 22% | 19% | 58% |
Distribution Rates
As community foundation asset size as well as the proportion of those assets in non-endowed assets grows, so too do foundation-wide distribution rates. Additionally, donor-advised funds are seen as more active funding vehicles. It is important to specifically watch the growth of donor-advised and discretionary funds over time. DAFs are a widely-used donor vehicle and one of the fastest growing, while discretionary funds ultimately provide flexibility to a community foundation.
| Size of Foundation | Donor-Advised Funds | Whole Foundation |
|---|---|---|
| <$25M | 4% | 4% |
| $25M - $50M | 7% | 5% |
| $50M - $100M | 11% | 6% |
| $100M - $250M | 11% | 7% |
| $250M - $500M | 13% | 9% |
| >$500M | 13% | 8% |