Community Foundation
Generally, community foundations are publicly supported organizations that makes grants for social, educational, religious, or other charitable purposes in a specific community or region. Funds are derived from many donor sources, and retention of such funds as endowment is usually encouraged; income, including that earned by the endowment, is then used to make grants. Most community foundations are classified as public charities for the maximum tax-deductible contributions from the public.
Corporate Support
Support from corporations is often available in several forms, including corporate foundations, a company’s charitable arm, public relations funding and support from a company’s marketing budget. It is important to understand which area of a company is best equipped to received and consider your proposal. Companies are often very explicit as to their fields of interest and may limit giving to causes related to their business interests. Companies may also be positioned to make gift-in-kind donations for certain projects. It is important to remember that companies will often limit funding to communities where they are headquartered or areas where they conduct business.
Operating Foundation
A fund or endowment designated by the Internal Revenue Service as a private foundation, yet which differs from a typical private foundation in that its primary purpose is to conduct research, promote social welfare or engage in either programs determined by its governing body or establishment charter. It may make some grants, but the sum is generally small relative to the funds used for the foundation’s own programs.
Private/Independent Foundation
Private or independent foundations are generally funded from one original source. Included in this category are “family foundations.” This group of funders derives revenue from earnings on their investments, and then makes grants to other charitable organizations as opposed to administering its own programs.
Federal Grants
Federal grants are managed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. For information on federal grant funding please contact RSP directly.
