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We\u2019ve put together some of our most frequently asked questions and answers. Keep reading or download the PDF by clicking the button below.<\/p>\n
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Through the Wisconsin Conservation Endowment, the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin provides individuals and organizations who care deeply about our natural resources the opportunity to leave a legacy of sustained support for Wisconsin\u2019s lands, waters, and wildlife. Funds can be created to support a favorite conservation organization; a landscape or waterway; threatened or endangered wildlife species; and to support environmental and conservation education.<\/p>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. What is an endowment fund?” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
A.\u00a0An endowment is a permanent fund that is placed in an investment pool where it is managed for long-term growth. The principal value of the fund is preserved. Annually, a percentage of the fund\u2019s total asset value is distributed for the purposes the fund was established to support.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. What is the Wisconsin Conservation Endowment? ” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”-6px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A. The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin provides individuals and organizations the opportunity to create permanent endowment funds for the conservation cause of their choosing, be it a specific land or waterway, wildlife species, or conservation organization, or to support the greatest conservation need in Wisconsin. Individual endowed funds are pooled together in our Wisconsin Conservation Endowment, which was created in 2006 and currently contains more than 100 endowed funds, totaling more than $10 million in assets.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. Why work with the Natural Resources Foundation? ” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A.\u00a0Our mission is to provide sustainable funding for Wisconsin\u2019s most imperiled species and public lands, while connecting generations to the wonders of Wisconsin\u2019s lands, waters, and wildlife through conservation, education, engagement and giving.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”36px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. Why create an endowment fund?” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A.\u00a0Endowments provide permanent sources of sustainable funding to ensure the long-term protection of our natural resources. The principal value of the endowment is preserved over time, and only a percentage of the fund value is distributed each year. Endowments serve as a perpetual source of funding and provide a reliable source of support for conservation causes and organizations.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. Who can create an endowment fund? ” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A.\u00a0Individuals and organizations have the option to create a field-of-interest, designated, or donor-advised fund to support their favorite conservation cause or organization. Nonprofit conservation groups can establish an agency fund to provide permanent support for their operations and programs.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. How is an endowment fund created? ” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A.\u00a0You will work with the Natural Resources Foundation to finalize a fund agreement \u2013 a legal document prepared by the Foundation\u2019s attorney – which specifies contractual requirements, such as the fund name and purpose, and eligible recipients. Upon final signature by both parties and receipt of the minimum gift required to establish the fund, the endowment is considered active. The fund will make its first distribution following a minimum one-year initiation period in either January or July, whichever is closest to the fund\u2019s creation date.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. How long does it take to set up a fund? ” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A.\u00a0Setting up a fund includes opportunity for the fund creator\/s to edit and review a draft fund agreement, as well as time for the Foundation to undertake due diligence steps. This process typically takes 2-4 weeks<\/u> (occasionally longer, depending on the unique purpose and circumstances of each fund). A fund is considered established following the Foundation\u2019s receipt of the minimum gift to create the fund, and on the date the final fund agreement is fully executed. If your fund needs to be established before a certain date, please let Foundation staff know as soon as possible. We will try to accommodate the required timeline.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. What is the minimum amount required to establish an endowment fund? ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n A.\u00a0The minimum dollar threshold depends on the type of fund. See the table below for a description of each of the different fund types, and the minimum threshold to establish that type of fund. For all fund types except agency funds, an acorn fund option is available to start a fund with minimum contributions of $2,000-$8,000 per year, until the threshold for the fund is reached. Sub-accounts cannot be established through an acorn fund.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. How will the fund be recognized? ” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A. The Wisconsin Conservation Endowment holds 100+ funds, with diverse purposes representing Foundation members\u2019 varied conservation passions. All funds are highlighted on our website, including the fund\u2019s name, purpose, creator\/s, and year established. The Foundation also celebrates the creation of new funds by sharing them in our e-newsletter and our annual report. Funds featured in our newsletter and other communication channels are determined at the Foundation\u2019s discretion based on their alignment with our core mission activities or timely strategic priorities<\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”36px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. How is the endowment managed? ” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A.\u00a0Assets from all endowed funds are managed by TIAA according to the Foundation\u2019s investment policy with a passive management approach. The Foundation\u2019s investment committee regularly meets with TIAA\u2019s portfolio management team to review investment activities, performance, and market trends. The objective of the endowment is to grow the investments via long-term, gradual appreciation, to ensure an annual distribution while also adding long-term value to each fund.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. What is the past rate of return on investments?” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A.\u00a0Rate of return depends upon the global market and investment strategies. The table below shows each rate of return in recent years.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. What is the administrative fee? ” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A.\u00a0<\/span>The Foundation assesses an annual administrative fee of 1% on each fund. We have a sliding scale reduction for funds (0.9% for funds valued at $250,000-$499,999; 0.8% for funds valued at $500,000-$999,999; 0.7% for funds valued at $1,000,000 or more). Administration fees will be applied to each sub-account individually. The fee is deducted quarterly from the fund, calculated as \u00bc percent of the annual fee multiplied by the average fund value over the prior four quarters. Our administrative fee covers our operational expenses related to the administering and managing the endowment, including:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. What is the investment fee? ” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A.\u00a0The investment management fee charged by TIAA is currently 0.37% and is applied to the entire portfolio of endowment funds.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. How are the endowment assets classified? ” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A.\u00a0Every endowed fund has 3 asset classes, all of which accumulate earnings or losses until the money is physically taken out of the fund (i.e., a distribution):\u00a0 Historical Fund Balance (permanently restricted), Accumulated Earnings (temporarily restricted) and Unrestricted (this is the spendable allotment).\u00a0Any gains or losses incurred after the spendable allotment is calculated and reclassified go into the accumulated (temporarily restricted) asset class for that fund.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. Can the funds be returned to the donor or transferred to another financial manager? ” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A.\u00a0An individual donor cannot request a return of the assets, nor can funds be transferred to another financial manager or community foundation. For agency funds, as an endowment is by definition a \u201cpermanent, long-term\u201d investment, our Foundation does not allow for fund assets to be routinely withdrawn by an agency. However, an agency may request an extraordinary distribution from the principal of the agency\u2019s fund, subject to review and approval by the Foundation\u2019s Board of Directors, provided one of the following conditions is met: 1) the distribution is for the purpose of enabling the agency to acquire or renovate a capital asset; 2) the group is faced with extraordinary financial needs that are not likely to reoccur, and the distribution will enable the agency to meet those needs.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. What are options for growing the fund? ” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A. Fund creators have the option to grow their fund through additional outright gifts at any time and\/ or through a future planned gift. Some fund creators ask their personal contacts to make gifts to their funds in lieu of traditional holiday or birthday gifts; memorial gifts may also be directed to a fund. Though the Foundation does not typically solicit additional gifts from other members toward a donor\u2019s endowed fund (<\/span><\/span>with the exception of<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>funds that are set up to support the Foundation\u2019s priority conservation programs) our members occasionally choose to make unsolicited gifts to endowed funds created by others.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”36px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. How does the endowment make distributions? ” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A.\u00a0Annually, a percentage of the fund\u2019s total asset value is distributed for the purposes the fund was established to support. Multiple disbursements may be made in any given year based on the amount available for distribution, but each disbursement must meet a minimum of $500. The annual distribution may be rolled back into the fund if a distribution is not desired. No distribution will be made from an endowment if the value of the fund following distribution would fall below the historic dollar value of the fund, defined as the original gift and any additional contributions, unless such distribution follows the terms outlined in Wisconsin\u2019s Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. How do you calculate the amount available for distribution? ” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A. Currently, the payout rate is 4.75% per year, and is calculated by looking at the average fund balance over a lookback period up to 20 quarters. The Foundation establishes the payout rate following the annual review of the endowment\u2019s long-term performance. This formula ensures the ability of the fund to make distributions in perpetuity; to smooth out the available distribution amount during market fluctuations; and allows your fund and the distributions it makes to increase in value over time.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. What is the fee on annual distributions?” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A.\u00a0No fees are assessed on the distribution of funds in the annual payout.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. Are dividends and capital gains distributed back to the fund holders? ” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A.\u00a0Any growth achieved by the investment portfolio applies proportionately to each endowed fund. For example, if one fund constitutes 4% of the total value of the Wisconsin Conservation Endowment, that fund will receive 4% of the earnings.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. What are the options for making a distribution? ” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A.\u00a0Depending on the type of fund, there are four options:<\/p>\n 1) distribute the full allowable amount;<\/p>\n 2) distribute a partial amount;<\/p>\n 3) reinvest the distribution back into the fund;<\/p>\n 4) accumulate the distribution for future use.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”36px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. How will you keep us informed of the fund\u2019s activity? ” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A.\u00a0The Foundation provides annual fund reports to the donor, detailing the beginning and ending balance of your fund, as well as contributions, distributions, investment performance, and fees.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. When will we receive our fund reports? ” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A.\u00a0Foundation staff will mail your annual endowment fund report in February.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Q. What does the terminology in my fund report mean? ” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#1e2e11″ title_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A. Terms from the fund performance report are explained below:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\n
Creating a Fund<\/h3>\n
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\n Fund Type<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n Minimum Threshold<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n Description<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Field of Interest Fund<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n $20,000<\/span><\/td>\n Created to support the Natural Resources Foundation\u2019s priority impact areas: Public Lands and Waters; Wildlife; and Education. Distributions are made annually to support the purpose of the fund, towards the area of greatest need as selected by the Foundation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Agency Fund<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n $25,000<\/span><\/td>\n Created by a nonprofit conservation organization to support the organization\u2019s operations and programs. Distributions are made annually to the organization to support their operations or programs. Sub-accounts within an endowment fund can be established with a minimum gift of $15,000.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Designated Fund<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n $20,000<\/span><\/td>\n Created to support a specific conservation purpose. Distributions are made annually to support the purpose of the fund, as designated by the donor. Sub-accounts within an endowed fund can be established with a minimum gift of $20,000.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Donor Advised Fund<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n $40,000<\/span><\/td>\n Created to support a specific conservation purpose. Distributions are made annually to support the purpose of the fund, as advised by the donor.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Fund Management and Growth<\/h3>\n
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\n Year<\/td>\n 2016<\/td>\n 2017<\/td>\n 2018<\/td>\n 2019<\/td>\n 2020<\/td>\n 2021<\/td>\n 2022<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Annual Rate of Return<\/td>\n 8.75<\/td>\n 13.48<\/td>\n -5.57<\/td>\n 19.63<\/td>\n 14.26<\/td>\n 10.87<\/td>\n -15.16<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Blended Benchmark<\/td>\n 8.73<\/td>\n 13.72<\/td>\n -5.51<\/td>\n 18.65<\/td>\n 13.05<\/td>\n 11.04<\/td>\n -15.31<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n \n
Fund Distributions<\/h3>\n
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Reporting<\/h3>\n
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