1. What is a "Community Foundation?"
Community foundations, such as ours, exist to make it easy for people, like you, to be charitable and meet the community's changing needs for "quality of life" projects over time.
The idea of a community foundation is to develop an organization, governed by civic leaders, that disperses funds for charitable individuals and distributes grants to good causes in their names. Community foundations enjoy economies of scale and can be a focal point for charitable giving in a community.
Today, more than 550 community foundations serve thousands of donors in all 50 states. The Clovis Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization focused on raising funds and community awareness to support culture, arts, and recreational opportunities in Clovis.
2. Why should I give?
The CCF is a vehicle for individuals, families, businesses and other organizations can make tax-deductible gifts to benefit Clovis today and in the future. There are many reasons why you should consider giving to the CCF.
First, as a public charity, the CCF offers maximum tax benefits.
Second, your donations will ensure that Clovis will have an endowment to support those "quality of life" projects that will make our community a desirable place to live and raise our families.
Third, the CCF offers you a unique and flexible way to support your favorite community philanthropic efforts with a tax-deductible donation!
Fourth, since the CCF is an all-volunteer effort, you can be assured that expenses will be minimized-and that means that your donation will generate maximum returns to our community.
Finally, the CCF Board is comprised of experienced business, educational, governmental, and community leaders who are committed to acting as the legal stewards of your donations to ensure they are used as you intend-to make Clovis an even better community.
3. Are my donations tax-deductible?
Yes. The Clovis Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization as classified by the Internal Revenue Service.
4. How much of my donation will go directly to support projects?
The CCF is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. As a result, we have virtually no overhead and you can be assured that your donations go directly to support culture, arts, and recreational projects in Clovis (e.g., we will incur some administrative costs for copying, postage, phone/fax, etc.). Our financial statements will be available upon request during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) by contacting us by phone at 298-9261, by fax at 323-0892, or by email at
5. Is there a minimum or maximum contribution?
No. Any donation or bequest is welcome. We do, however, have some specific donation levels that we will recognize with a special certificate of appreciation suitable for framing:
| Partner Level | Annual Donation Level |
| Trail Boss | $5,000 |
| Wagon Masters | $1,000 |
| Cowboys & Cowgirls | $500 |
| Ranch Hands | $100 |
Donations should be sent to:
The Clovis Community Foundation
P.O. Box 1531
Clovis, CA 93613-1531
Please be sure to state whether your donation is for The Clovis Community Chest or for a specific project (i.e., the Boys and Girls Club, The Clovis Botanical Gardens, the Clovis Trail System, and the Valley Nature Education Center.)
We will then send you official verification for tax-reporting purposes. It's that simple!
6. Can donations/bequests be for specific projects or to a general fund?
The CCF can accept unrestricted donations or bequests given to The Clovis Community Chest. Donations or bequests to the Clovis Community Chest will be dispersed at the discretion of the CCF Board. Our goal is to build the Clovis Community Chest into a $10 million endowment to support culture, arts, and recreational opportunities in Clovis to enrich the quality of life in Clovis. The funds could be used for a wide variety of community projects such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, Boy and Girl Scouts, youth symphony and dance programs, community theaters, historic preservations, senior activities, parks, and numerous other cultural, recreational, and educational activities.
To apply for these funds, applicants must complete a formal application or "request for proposal" by December31 of each year. The CCF Board will make a decision on which projects should be funded, and the extent of that funding, by March 31. Please contact us if you are interested in applying for these funds.
Alternatively, the CCF can accept designated donations or bequests for specific approved projects (to see a list of currently approved projects at www.cloviscommunityfoundation.org/projects.htm).
Whether your donation or bequest is unrestricted or designated, we will make our financial statements public on an annual basis (you will also have access to the CCF's current financial statements upon request, during normal business hours).
7. What kind of assets can I contribute?
Almost any asset can be used as a donation or bequest. The CCF can accept donations or bequests of cash, securities traded on major exchanges, mutual fund shares, closely-held stock, real estate (including farmland), interests in limited partnerships, life insurance, and variations and combinations of these.
8. How can I leave a legacy in Clovis and continue my charity after my death?
After providing for your family, you can leave a legacy to the Clovis community by making a bequest to the CCF by will. This will ensure that your good works and charitable giving continue after you're gone. Please ask your lawyer or accountant how to set up such a bequest. If you have other questions, please feel free to contact us.
9. Who do I contact for more information?
Please feel free to call us at 559-298-2861 or fax us at 559-323-0892. You can also mail us at P.O. Box 1531, Clovis, CA, 93613-1531 or email us at
If you join the CCF, we will be happy to send you periodic reports. Simply complete the application form under "Becoming a Member."
