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Investment Strategy
The Community Foundation recognizes stewardship of the assets entrusted to us as one of our most important responsibilities. Donor’s trust in us is based on our ability to invest these resources prudently and to use the income produced in accordance with donor’s charitable wishes, today and in the future.

The responsibility for managing the Community Foundation’s investment portfolio is vested in the Board of Directors through its Finance/Investment Committee. This committee works closely with the Community Foundation’s investment consultant and staff to set policy, establish performance benchmarks and continually monitor the effectiveness of the Community Foundation’s portfolio.

The Committee maintains a disciplined process, regardless of market fluctuations, to ensure the viability of the Community Foundation. This approach has proven to be sound.

Investment Performance

Average Annual Rate of Return in Invested Assets
(Period Ending 4/30/2008)

One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years     1995-2008    
Total Fund -.03% 8.9%  11.0% 6.5% 9.4% 
Benchmark -.06% 9.0% 11.0% 6.0% 9.1%
Investment Philosophy
The Central New York Community Foundation Investment Philosophy is to:
  • Preserve capital, considering the impact of inflation

  • Strive for consistent annual Total Returns (realized and unrealized, dividends and interest)

  • Achieve long-term Total Returns which meet or exceed inflation, plus spending for operations and grants

  • Earn the highest possible return given the risk tolerance established by the Central New York Community Foundation
Spending Policy
To allow for a more stable and predictable flow of funds available for distribution in the community, the spending rate is set based upon the average of the market value of the Foundation’s total earning assets over the preceding twenty quarter period. The current spending level is set at 5% to support the Foundation’s operations and grant programs.

Still have questions about the Community Foundation’s finances? Contact our Vice President for Finance and Administration, Mary Meyer, by email or phone at 422-9538.
Other Financial Information