FAQs
WHAT IS THE TAHOE DONNER GIVING FUND (GF)?
The Giving Fund is administered by a board-chartered committee, the Giving Fund Operations and Grants Committee, made up of Tahoe Donner member volunteers, appointed by the board, who execute fundraising plans, produce special events, and recommend support in the following areas of interest:
- Arts and culture
- Education and youth development
- Environment, conservation, and animal welfare
- Health and human service
- Scholarships
ARE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE GIVING FUND TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
Yes. Contributions are deductible to the fullest extent of the law. As an affiliate fund of the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation’s (TTCF), we operate under their 501(c)(3).
CAN I MAKE A CONTRIBUTION IN MEMORY OR IN HONOR OF SOMEONE?
Yes. Memorial and honorary contributions are wonderful ways to pay tribute to a friend or loved one. Simply include this information on the online or paper gift form.
WILL THE TAHOE DONNER GIVING FUND ACCEPT MATCHING CONTRIBUTIONS FROM MY EMPLOYER?
Yes, matching funds are encouraged and accepted. Just follow your employer’s established process or make your gift through our online donation site, check the corporate matching box and our software will contact your employer on your behalf.
DOES ANY MONEY FROM THE TAHOE DONNER ANNUAL ASSESSMENT GO TO THE GIVING FUND?
The Giving Fund does not receive any funds from the monies collected through the annual assessment.
WHAT DOES THE TRUCKEE TAHOE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (TTCF) DO FOR THE GIVING FUND?
TTCF manages the funds, handles gift entry, acknowledgments, reports, fund distributions, insurance, and tax filings, and makes sure everything we do is in compliance with IRS rules. For this service, TTCF charges an annual fee of 2%, based on the balance of our funds.
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF MONEY DONATED TO THE GF GOES TO ADMINISTRATION?
Since the Giving Fund’s inception in 2014, it has been able to proudly say, “100% of donations go directly to grants to local non-profits and scholarships to high school graduates who, without our help, would not be able to fulfill their post-secondary education and career goals.” Credit card fees from individual donor contributions, if not assumed by the donor, are paid by the GF.
While TTCF charges us a fee for the services they provide, usually the interest and dividends on GF investments covers that expense.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR SELECTING THE NONPROFITS/STUDENTS?
The Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation publishes open competitive application periods for both grants (in the Fall) and scholarships (in the Spring), collects the applications, and convenes a grant or scholarship committee made up of representatives from all those with funds available. Thus, the selection process is cooperative among various organizations, including the Giving Fund, and ensures reasonable equity in the awarding of funds. All Giving Fund awards are subject to approval by the Tahoe Donner Board of Directors.
WHY SHOULD I CONTRIBUTE TO THE GIVING FUND EVEN IF I ALREADY SUPPORT MY FAVORITE CHARITIES?
We recognize that many of our Tahoe Donner neighbors contribute directly to wonderful charities and we encourage your continued engagement with missions that inspire you. The Giving Fund strives to bring awareness to the needs of our community and engage property owners by pooling our donations thereby providing a simple, easy way to give back to the community and show Tahoe Donner ♥ Cares about the greater Truckee community.