WHAT DO WE DO
What is the Saginaw Community Foundation and what do we do?
The Saginaw Community Foundation (SCF) is a tax-exempt charitable organization created by and for the people of Saginaw County. Established in 1984 with an initial grant of $50,000 by the Junior League of Saginaw Valley in celebration of its 50th anniversary, SCF enables people with philanthropic interests to easily and effectively support the issues they care about—immediately, or through their wills. SCF is one of 800 community foundations nationwide classified as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Unlike a private foundation, SCF’s assets come from any number of individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations interested in improving the quality of life in our community. These gifts range in size and purpose, depending upon the interests of individual donors. Some funds are given for specific charitable purposes; others are unrestricted so they may be used to meet the changing needs of our community.
Four Special Features
when you give a gift to the Saginaw Community Foundation
You receive personalized service
SCF provides personalized service, helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofit organizations achieve their charitable and financial goals by offering tools and resources that make giving easy, flexible and effective. Donors can create personal legacies via named funds, teaching future generations the value of giving back. Or, donors can direct a gift to an existing fund managed by SCF that aligns with their charitable goals.
You receive giving solutions tailored to your situation
You access local expertise. SCF is staffed by people from our community and led by a local board of directors. This group of people has an in-depth knowledge of the issues, opportunities and resources that shape our community, enabling us to play a key role in solving community problems, while helping donors learn more about local needs in order to make their giving as effective as possible.
SCF helps donors make a difference where it is needed most.
You support community leadership
SCF wears many hats. We are both a grantmaker and a grantseeker. We play a key role in addressing community needs, now and in the future. We are governed by leaders with strong ties to our community. We act also as community catalysts, bringing diverse voices and groups together to address local issues, and fostering greater giving and volunteering in our community. SCF is building a permanent endowment to meet the needs of Saginaw County, not only for today, but forever.
SCF makes grants and raises funds for a wide variety of charitable purposes, including education, the arts, human service, health and welfare, and civic improvement. When we make a grant it must be used to benefit Saginaw County citizens and/or programs. In collaboration with our regional community foundation partners, we can and do impact the entire Great Lakes Bay Region through our grants.
You provide volunteer opportunities
Through your support, SCF is able to provide numerous opportunities for persons seeking volunteer activities. We have an extensive network of volunteers that participate in SCF committees, read/review scholarship applications, plan events and fundraisers and help with special projects.
Who administers the Saginaw Community Foundation?
SCF is currently governed by a 20-member Board of Directors who are nominated by the SCF Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The directors are chosen for their broad community knowledge and representation. We also have youth representation on the board who are nominated by the FORCE Youth Advisory Committee. Our board members receive no compensation for their service.
For good. For ever.
For more information and ideas on ways to integrate your financial planning with charitable giving and leave a lasting impact on our community, ask your financial advisor or contact Brian Jackson, director of donor services & special initiatives at (989) 755-0545 or via email at brian@saginawfoundation.org.