Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Angeles Chapter Foundation?
The Angeles Chapter Foundation is a public charity which maintains endowments that fund the conservation, outings, and ICO programs of the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club.
Q: Who runs the Foundation?
The Foundation is governed by a board of directors who have a long history of service with the Angeles Chapter.
Q: How do you give out grants?
The foundation gives grants through the Angeles Chapter and ICO Executive Committees. Please refer to Grant Guidelines here.
Q: What is your investment policy?
The Foundation’s endowment assets are invested in a variety of stocks and mutual funds that pay dividends to earn a stable and growing income.
Q: Does ACF have endowments?
Yes, the Angeles Chapter Foundation has endowments devoted to specific purposes and programs. These include the Conservation Endowment, the Endowment for Outings, and the Angeles ICO Endowment. Learn more about endowments here.
Q: What is an endowment?
An endowment is a donation of money or property to a nonprofit organization for the ongoing support of that organization. The principal amount is kept intact while the investment income is available for use.
Q: How does the Foundation invest the funds in its endowments?
The ACF invests mainly in well established companies with a history of growing earnings and dividends. Most of these companies will be in mutual fund portfolios like Vanguard’s Dividend Growth Fund. Currently the ACF endowment accounts earn approximately 9% a year.
Q: Does the Foundation invest in “green” companies?
Yes, the Investment Policy is to invest in companies that on balance are not harmful to the public and the environment.
Q: What are the Angeles Chapter Foundation’s administrative expenses?
The Foundation has few expenses because all work is done by its volunteer directors, with no staff expenses.
The Foundation does incur some administrative expenses, including for insurance, web maintenance, and printing and postage.