Creating a Nonprofit Endowment Fund

Planning for Today. Investing in Tomorrow.

Why Create an Endowment?

Is your organization thinking about the long-term? A permanent endowment fund with the Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation (ESVCF) can help ensure your nonprofit’s mission continues, no matter what the future holds.

An endowment is more than a savings account. It’s a powerful tool for sustainability and donor confidence. By setting aside funds today, you create a steady, reliable source of income that supports your mission year after year. It’s a smart, forward-thinking move that signals fiscal responsibility and long-term vision.

Benefits of Partnering with ESVCF

We make it easy for local 501(c)(3) nonprofits to establish and grow their own endowment funds, without taking on the burden of managing investments.

Here’s what your organization gains:

  • Professional Investment Management
    Your fund becomes part of a $500+ million pooled investment portfolio managed by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation in partnership with Spider Management Company. This gives you access to world-class investment expertise and diversification typically only available to very large institutions.

  • Reduced Administrative Load
    We handle investment oversight, reporting, and stewardship, freeing up your board and staff to focus on what matters most: your programs and your people.

  • Donor Confidence
    Endowments reassure donors that your organization is planning wisely and committed to long-term impact. Many donors are more inclined to make significant or legacy gifts when they know their contributions will endure.

Is an Endowment Right for Your Organization?

If your board or leadership team is starting to ask:

  • “How can we make our organization more financially stable?”

  • “What happens if fundraising becomes more difficult in the future?”

  • “Are we prepared for the next crisis or leadership transition?”

…then it may be time to explore whether an endowment could help secure your future.

Let’s Start the Conversation

ESVCF is here to walk you through the process. Whether you're just beginning to think about long-term sustainability or ready to take the next step, we’re happy to help.

Contact us at info@esvcf.org or 757-789-0910 to learn more about creating a permanent endowment for your nonprofit.Benefits

Creating a permanent organizational fund through the Foundation relieves your nonprofit of direct responsibility for oversight of endowment assets and enables your organization to focus its efforts (and often limited human resources) on your mission.