Our Financial Picture
Learn about our financial picture.
Investment Management
The Community Foundation maintains well-diversified portfolios that are invested with the goal to preserve and enhance the real value of these assets over time. The Community Foundation engages Mason Investment Advisory Services and Commonfund to manage the portfolios and advise the Investment Committee on asset allocation strategy and investment policy. An Environmental, Social, and Governance Portfolio (ESG) is available for donors who prefer that option.
Investment Return
Returns are net of investment fees.
At YCCF, our long-term investment strategy seeks to preserve and enhance the purchasing power of gifts through careful stewardship. YCCF’s diversified investment portfolio is implemented by expert fund advisors with access to global investment opportunities and deep analysis that may not be available to individual investors.
Spending policy, or the amount calculated each year that is available to grant from a fund, is determined by averaging the previous 12 quarters of the fund’s investment balance (ending June 30th of each year), then applying a percentage of what is available for grantmaking. The Community Foundation’s current spending rate is 4.5% of the fund’s average value. An investment return in excess of the spending policy is retained in the fund to grow the principal.
As long-term investors, we anticipate periods of both significant market increase and decline. Accordingly, our spending policy may fluctuate with extreme market movements.
YCCF also offers fundholders an Environmental, Social, and Governance Portfolio option (ESG). The portfolio is designed to offer investors an opportunity to invest in a socially responsible investment vehicle and targets companies that are socially and environmentally conscious. Companies that demonstrate a commitment to creating a positive impact on the environment and to promoting positive social change are selected for the ESG investment option.
Endowment
Building the Community Foundation’s endowment is key to the success of future generations’ ability to create a vibrant York County. Our goal is to preserve and enhance the purchasing power of the endowment by careful stewardship and through a prudent long-term investment strategy. An Endowment Fund is not only a permanent legacy for the donor, but the best way to provide a perpetual source of revenue for the continued betterment of York County.
Audit
The Community Foundation is directed by an Audit Committee. This volunteer committee assists our Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities as related to the Community Foundation’s financial, operational, and compliance records. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the financial reporting process and annual independent audit on behalf of the Board.
The Community Foundation is audited by RKL, LLP.
Data Security
Security and confidentiality of our donor information is a top priority at YCCF. We employ a seasoned technology firm to implement and maintain best-practice security measures across all our platforms. In addition, our full staff engages in professional training throughout the year on mitigating potential security risks.
For online donations, YCCF utilizes a third-party, Network for Good. Before selecting them as a vendor, we ensured that they do not sell donor data. Their privacy statement can be found here.
