Foundation Financial Information

"The Foundation's investment is diversified across a broad range of asset classes and investment strategies. This structure has served us well, limiting losses during negative market environments without sacrificing opportunities during favorable periods." Edgar W. Barksdale Jr. Chair, Investment Committee

The Fairfield County Community Foundation is the third largest community foundation in Connecticut with net assets exceeding $150 million.

Assets are held in various fund types. In Fiscal Year 2011 asset values were as follows:

• Donor Advised Funds: $71.6 million or 46%
• Field of Interest Funds: $24.1 million or 16%
• Discretionary Funds: $18.1 million or 12%
• Donor Designated Funds: $15.7 million or 10%
• Scholarship Funds: $14.4 million or 10%
  
• Agency Endowment Funds: $7.3 million or 5%
• Administration Funds: $1.5 million or 1%
• Charitable Remainder Trusts: $0.2 million or 0%
  

In 2008, the Fairfield County Community Foundation merged with the Greater Bridgeport Area Foundation. Our combined history includes over $135 million in grantmaking to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond.

Investment Management

Each fund established at the Fairfield County Community Foundation reflects a donor's trust in our ability to invest resources wisely.

The Investment Committee is responsible for determining the broad allocation of Foundation assets among various asset classes, the design of the investment structure for each asset class, the retention of investment managers and other professionals, and the monitoring of investment results.

When you establish a fund at the Foundation, you may elect from the following investment options:

• The Core Investment Pool
  
  
• The Money Market Pool
  
  
• Designate a Specific Money Manager (Option for funds over $1 million)
  

Investment Policy

The Foundation seeks to safeguard assets entrusted to us, and, at the same time, generate total return for grantmaking that responds to current and changing charitable needs in the community.

These criteria dictate our investment philosophy:

• Primary emphasis is placed on preservation of asset purchasing power through investment growth and total return.
  
  
• Moderate growth of principal and total return is expected, consistent with maintaining safety of principal.
  
  
• The Investment Committee focuses on asset allocation among equity, debt and other investment opportunities, and seeks a return in line with the Foundation's spending policy as it relates to long-term grantmaking goals.
  

Investment Policy

Spending Policy

The Foundation's assets are diversified across asset classes in order to enhance investment results in a variety of markets during both positive and negative market periods. The listing below illustrates this diversification using the Foundation's recently adopted long-term investment strategy.

•     Equities 52.5%
•     Fixed Income Securities 17.5%
•     Alternative Investments 30%

Investment Return

The key to the Foundation's investment performance has been professional money management under the supervision of the Foundation's Investment Committee. During the last 12 months, the Foundation’s returns declined by 2.2% net of fees. However, long term returns continue to exceed benchmarks.

Investment Performance and Asset Allocation Summary - March 31, 2012

Audited Financials

Form 990 (Available through Guidestar)    

For more information, email Joseph Baker, Vice President of Finance and Administration, or call him at 203.750.3204.