Point Roberts Community Chest Structure

(temporary working document)

Committee Structure:

The PRCC Advisory Committee will consist of 3 to 9 volunteer members who live, work, or have a strong connection to Point Roberts. Members may include individuals from local elected boards; however, this is not a requirement. The founding donors will serve as advisors and may retain their position until their death. Future advisors are appointed by the committee with a majority vote and may come from local organizations or elected boards, such as:

·      Park & Recreation District

·      Water District

·      Hospital District

·      Fire District

·      Cemetery District

·      Community Advisory Committee

·      Taxpayers Association

·      Voters Association

·      Chamber of Commerce

The Advisory Committee should notify Whatcom Community Foundation anytime there is a change to the Committee roster. Current Committee members must recuse themselves from voting on grants that directly benefit them or organizations they represent.

The Committee will meet at least once per year at a time of their choosing to review and award (or deny) grant requests. The committee may choose to meet more frequently (or as needed) to review time-sensitive or emergent requests.  

All grant recommendations require a majority vote. Once the vote is confirmed, an email (including all committee members) should be sent to the WCF Grant Administrator to request distribution of funds. If committee membership falls below 3 active members, the Fund’s management and distribution will be handled by Whatcom Community Foundation, with input from Point Roberts residents, as available. 

Grant Distributions:

Grants may be awarded at any time throughout the year; however, the Committee may decide to formalize a grant application, review and awards cycle at some point in the future should the number of requests become too burdensome. Grant requests may originate from committee member suggestions or be submitted by organizations based or working in Point Roberts.

For purposes of the Point Roberts Community Chest Advisory Committee, grant sizes are generally considered in three categories:

1.    Micro-grants: grants awarded below $500. May include emergency requests.

2.    Community grants: Includes grants for projects, programs and activities with charitable intent in Point Roberts or larger awards for major community projects. 

3.    Multi-Year grants: Multi-year grants may be awarded for a specified number of years (generally up to 3 years) at the discretion of the Advisory Committee. The total grant award will be removed from the fund and held in reserve (as a payable) to ensure the fund is not overdrawn.

Grants are generally restricted to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. In some cases, civic groups, clubs, community organizations, and individuals may qualify for grants if there is a fiscal sponsor willing to handle the charitable donation on behalf of the organization or individual making the request. Alternatively, an organization may enter into a grant agreement with expenditure responsibility included to ensure the charitable purpose of the grant. Whatcom Community Foundation staff will support the Advisory Committee to ensure all legal requirements and due diligence is fulfilled for these grant requests. 

Funding Priorities:

Grants will be prioritized equally across five main categories that benefit Point Roberts and its residents:

1.    Basic Human Needs: The provision of services and/or programs that meet the basic needs for survival such as housing, clothing, food, utilities, health care.

2.    Education Opportunities: Programming that provides information and education on a variety of subjects; particularly those that enhance and enrich the community.

3.    Community Enhancement: Funds that support community-wide events, services and programs that benefit all residents.

4.    Economic Development: Programs or business development that helps maintain the economic viability and stability of Point Roberts.

5.    Environmental Preservation: Programs, Projects or Purchases that help protect the environment of Point Roberts.

Variance Power:

A Community Foundation is required under federal tax law to have the ability to vary from the terms of a fund agreement. This provision is consistent with the Foundation Board’s variance power as set forth in Treasury regulations, §1.170A-9(f)(11)(V)(B). The Foundation’s Board of Directors has the authority to modify any restriction or condition on the distribution of funds for any specified charitable purposes if in the sole judgment of the Foundation, such restrictions or conditions become, in effect, unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community or area being served. This provision protects the fund from obsolescence.

Conclusion:

The Point Roberts Community Chest aims to provide lasting, transparent, and community-driven financial support for the people and place of Point Roberts. Through partnership with the Whatcom Community Foundation and careful stewardship by its Advisory Committee, PRCC will help sustain and strengthen the community for generations.