Frequently asked questions
General questions
- What is Kern Community Foundation?
- Is a community foundation a new kind of charity?
- Who sets up funds at Kern Community Foundation?
- What is the difference between Kern Community Foundation and United Way of Kern County?
What is Kern Community Foundation?
Kern Community Foundation is a nonprofit public charity created by and for the people of Kern County. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for all the people of Kern County by encouraging philanthropy, providing services to the donors and assisting those who serve to meet the needs of the community.
With its many philanthropic partners, the Community Foundation supports nonprofit organizations and public institutions with funds for many areas of community life, including community health, education and community needs and services. We also administer scholarships.
The Community Foundation provides you with a simple, convenient and flexible way to make a positive difference, now and far into the future. The charitable funds we manage for more than 85 individuals, families and corporations together constitute an endowment of more than $15 million. A gift through the Community Foundation receives maximum tax deductions, outstanding investment management and very low administrative costs—typically around one and a half percent of assets.
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Is a community foundation a new kind of charity?
No—but you might think so, because of its growing popularity in recent years. In fact, the first community foundation was established in Cleveland in 1914. The Kern Community Foundation was established in 1999. Today we join a field of more than 700 community foundations across the United States, with combined assets of approximately $45 billion.
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Who sets up funds at Kern Community Foundation?
Most funds managed at Kern Community Foundation are set up by individuals, some wealthy, others of more modest means. What these people have in common is a desire to give back to their community—whether it’s protecting the environment, honoring the memory of someone they love, setting up a scholarship fund to help students in need, supporting local arts organizations, or funding any other charitable cause imaginable.
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What is the difference between Kern Community Foundation and United Way of Kern County?
While our organizations share a dedication to serving the people of Kern County, we do so in distinct, often complementary ways. Put simply, United Way raises funds for current community needs, and the Community Foundation serves donors and builds endowment for current and future community needs.
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