Chosen Valley Community Foundation

Promoting Generosity in Minnesota’s Chosen Valley

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Chatfield, Minnesota, Community, Foundation, Scholarships, Grants, School, Graduating, College, Finances, Financial Aide, Growth, Education, Projects, Family, Nursing, Parks, Trails, Investment, Endowment, Donate, Give to the Max, Band, Preschool, Firefighter, Library, Western Days, Concerts, Summer Concert, Arts, Support, Plays, Music, Estate, Planning, Wills, Contributions, Stocks, Bonds, Root River State Bank, Gophers, Football, Baseball, Athletic, Early Childhood, Daycare, Giving, Apply, Available, Academic, Honor Roll, FAFSA, Eligibility, Funds, Heritage, Non Profit, 501©3, tax-exempt, tax planning, charitable, benefits, permanent fund, capital, consensus fund, designated fund, areas, health care, culture, civic improvements, youth, science, philanthropic, goals, Fillmore, County, Olmsted, Fountain, Chosen Valley, Root River, Trout Classic, Chosen Bean Concerts, Bluff Country, Hiking, Music Lending Library, Lions Club, Pope and Young Club, Historical Society, Chill Fest, Cabin Coffee, Dairy Queen, Threads Custom Apparel, Rochester Chamber, Chatfield Chamber, Stewartville, Spring Valley, Wykoff, Preston, St. Charles, Fall Grants, Alice Manahan Nursing Scholarship, Chatfield Firefighters Scholarship, Community Support, Chatfield Money Available, Funds, Chatfield High School Class ReunionHow does the Chosen Valley Community Foundation achieve its vision?
The Chosen Valley Community Foundation is a not for profit corporation that offers donors an opportunity to give back to the Chatfield area through grants, scholarships, and other giving programs awarded to organizations and individuals within the community resulting in a shared effort to benefit the place we live.

How are funds distributed?
The Chosen Valley Community Foundation is a not for profit corporation made up of community volunteers who work with donors to identify their funding goals, provide stewardship of the funds, and select appropriate recipients for the awards.

Are donations tax-deductible?
The Chosen Valley Community Foundation is a Minnesota non-profit corporation recognized as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization by the IRS. This means that donors are eligible to donate gifts like cash, stock, property and the like, tax-free, and use those gifts to fund grants. It means that you have an opportunity to participate in an ongoing concern carrying your good name with it well into the future.

Where do donated funds go?
The Chosen Valley Community Foundation affiliates with the Rochester Area Foundation to allow us to use their professional fund management services. The CVCF continually maintains jurisdiction of the money.

What area do we serve?
The Chosen Valley Community Foundation serves the area designated by the Chatfield School District. Thus, we are a Foundation for the betterment of Chatfield and the surrounding community.

What does this mean for those living in this area?
It means that donors through the Foundation can play a major part in improving the quality of life in an already wonderful place to live and work. It means that benefactors have a way to direct their charitable contributions back to the community. It means that the Chatfield area can benefit from the generosity of its benefactors and continue to make this a great place to live and work. Finally, it means that Chatfield can keep area assets working for Chatfield’s benefit.

What are the options for donors?
As a Minnesota non-profit corporation recognized as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization we must limit the funds toward charitable concerns such as arts, culture, environment, health and human services, community improvement, public safety, education, and youth development. Through asset growth and development, the Foundation builds and maintains funds to provide a perpetual source of income. Donors have the opportunity to place their funds in any of these areas:

  • Permanent Fund – Capital from this fund is never withdrawn and grants made from this fund are supported only by the interest or appreciation of the original investment and directed toward programs and projects prioritized by the Foundation.
  • The General Consensus Fund – Capital in this fund is immediately available for grants and community projects.
  • Designated Fund – Donors have the ability to direct how their contributions are used such as scholarships or providing a lasting impact for another organization.

Can I make a recurring or legacy donation?
You can choose to designate the Foundation as a recipient of your annual Required Minimum Distribution or through general estate giving. We can assist you in planning these forms or giving. through estate giving.

How can I donate?
We accept personal checks and gifts of real property such as stocks, bonds, and CDs. Regular cash donations can also be made through our online donation or by sending a check to:

Chosen Valley Community Foundation
P.O. 552
Chatfield, MN 55923

What does this mean for grant recipients?
It means that qualifying organizations can apply for and receive grants from the Foundation using a portion of the profits from this endowment to advance worthy projects and concerns in our area.

How do we accomplish this?
Through asset growth and development, the Foundation builds and maintains funds to provide a perpetual source of income. Donors have the opportunity to place their funds in any of the areas of the Permanent Fund, the Consensus Fund, and the Designated Fund.

How do I get more information?
Contact the Foundation or any board member. A representative from the organization will work with you and help you to meet your philanthropic goals.