You’re here for a reason, you’ve been blessed and you understand that united we conquer and divided we fall. Your philanthrooy means so much to so many .
We appreciate your willingness to support POISE and the families and communities we serve through your gift.
Below you’ll find a description of the various types of funds POISE offers. You may also call POISE Foundation and work with our development staff who can explain how each fund works.
POISE offers endowment fund building as a long-term charitable investment vehicle to help donors meet their giving goals. Our endowment funds are invested to grow at competitive interest rates and allow annual distributions up to five percent (5%). While working to build the fund’s balance to meet long-term giving goals a distribution component may also be established, which allows 100% distributions from that component of the fund.
Administrative Funds are for donors who want to support the Foundation’s normal operating expenses. Income from administrative funds is used to further the charitable purposes of the Foundation by supporting its operating/administrative expenses. The long-term goal of the Foundation is to be self-supportive relating to its operating budget.
Agency Funds are endowment funds created by a nonprofit organization where the available distributions are designated for the same nonprofit organization. An agency endowment is a method of promoting self-sufficiency and sustainability for the nonprofit. Once transferred, the assets are owned by POISE. However, the nonprofit can carry the asset on its own financial statements.
Distribution Funds are designed to distribute 100% of the fund balance over a given period of time as defined by the donor.
Donor Advised Funds permit you to recommend or advise on which organizations should receive a grant. This provides you a means to remain actively involved in the management of the fund. However, the Foundation’s Distribution Committee is responsible for making all final decisions. Our staff will perform the due diligence to ensure the organization is a legal charity as well as review its impact on the community. This form of fund is often an alternative to a private foundation. It can save you time in establishing a private foundation, reporting requirements and associated fees and taxes.
Donor Designated Funds allow you to specifically name one or more charitable organizations you want to support. These funds are for funding consistent and relevant issues. If the charity ceases to exist, the Foundation will direct the funds to an organization or organizations that are closely aligned with the mission and service of the original organization.
Field of Interest Funds focus on issues of concern. You may suggest grants to organizations that operate in a specific field such as: education, children and youth, health and human services, arts/culture, and urban and economic development. You may also rely on Foundation staff to research and select organizations that are having a great impact on the community within the field of interest.
For over 20 years, POISE has provided Fiscal Sponsorship Services to individuals, groups and organizations offering programs that are in line with our mission. Click here to learn more about our Fiscal Sponsorship Services.
are space-based funds that are organized to benefit the sustainability and growth of a specific neighborhood. These funds are managed by community representatives who will determine where to best invest the resources within their neighborhoods.
are designated for the advancement of individuals looking for financial assistance to expand their education. You may place restrictions on the funds such as granting income to specific colleges, universities or organizations, or setting specific criteria that the student must meet in order to be eligible.
do not have donor stipulations and the income derived from these can be used for any purpose as deemed by POISE that is consistent with the mission and objectives of the Foundation.
See our entire list of Funds , you can donate to a pre-existing Fund or create a Fund in your name and specify what your Fund is for.
You have made the generous decision to impact the communities you care about through Philanthropy. So, what should you do to ensure that this decision lives up to your expectations?
Perhaps you are thinking about establishing a private foundation. Have you considered the advantages of partnering with POISE to set up a fund instead of establishing a private foundation? There are several things to consider to ensure that your charitable intentions are realized; and that you are not burdening yourself and your family with the administrative and fiduciary responsibilities of managing a private foundation. Click the link below to learn more.
To comply with the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (HR-4), the Board of Directors at POISE Foundation has adopted a Uniform Procedure for Awarding Scholarships. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 (HR-4) prohibits donor-advised funds from making grants to individuals, including grants to educational institutions for the benefit of selected scholarship recipients. In addition, IRS rulings suggest serious issues regarding roles of donors/fund advisors in the selection process. For more information about the Pension Protection Act of 2006 and the POISE Foundation Uniform Procedure for Awarding Scholarships, please click on the links below.
POISE has been hard at work to implement a new software system that will improve your user experience as one of our valued fund advisors. As part of our ongoing mission to be a supportive, responsive and trusted Community Foundation, this new system will now provide more timely access to important information about your fund. Please visit the link below to learn more and find the link to the portal:
If you are over 70 1/2 years of age and have required distributions from an IRA, you may be eligible to make a distribution to POISE Foundation and exclude that transfer from your gross income. Please consult your financial advisor to determine your eligibility and the related tax savings this may provide you. You can also review the Council on Foundation's detailed analysis of rolling over an IRA distribution. As always, feel free to contact us directly to discuss how this provision applies to you.
POISE FOUNDATION, Two Gateway Center, Suite 1700, 603 Stanwix Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222