While the basic community foundation operating model is supported mainly by administrative fees on funds, differences in the revenue mix do emerge among foundations of different sizes. Emerging and smaller community foundations rely more heavily on outside fundraising and distributions from endowments/reserves to support operations. The continued diversification of community foundation offerings has not, to this point, led to a significant shift in one's typical revenue mix. Continued growth in funds, supplemented by alternative sources of revenues, can provide the flexibility needed to drive foundation-led community efforts (e.g. community leadership or special initiatives).
Averages were used to total 100%. (n=240)
| | $0-$25M | $25-$50M | $50-$100M | $100-$250M | $250-$500M | $500M+ | All |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % Administrative fees | 67% | 69% | 65% | 75% | 80% | 77% | 72% |
| % Fees for service | 0% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 3% | 1% |
| % Fundraising: operations | 10% | 10% | 12% | 6% | 5% | 4% | 8% |
| % Fundraising: programmatic | 5% | 3% | 6% | 6% | 6% | 6% | 5% |
| % Distribution from endowment/reserve | 11% | 10% | 12% | 8% | 4% | 4% | 9% |
| % Other revenue | 7% | 7% | 4% | 3% | 4% | 6% | 5% |