What is an Affiliate

Similar to bank branches, affiliate foundations (or supporting organizations) are led by a board of local community leaders. The affiliate foundations make grants and direct fundraising efforts to develop grant making resources in their specific communities or interest areas. The Oshkosh Area Community Foundation provides investment management, fund accounting, legal advice and administrative staff support for each of its affiliate foundations.

Creating an affiliate foundation under the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation umbrella may be a good alternative for donors considering a private foundation. An affiliate foundation is a distinct legal entity affiliated with the Community Foundation. As such, the affiliate foundation qualifies for a tax status not granted to private foundations.

In addition to having its own board of directors, an affiliate foundation can have its own letterhead, checking account, and investment manager. It can even publish its own annual report.

The Oshkosh Area Community Foundation currently supports three affiliates:

The Women’s Fund is dedicated to improving the lives of women, girls and all members of the communities of Winnebago County through philanthropy, grant making and education.

The Green Lake County/Ripon Community Foundation is a permanent endowment fund for the communities of Green Lake, Ripon, Princeton, Markesan and Berlin.

The Winneconne Area Community Foundation serves the residents of Winneconne and the surrounding area as a charitable giving partner, with the mission of attracting and distributing funds to nonprofit organizations in efforts that enhance the quality of life.