About the Foundation
As the identity and fabric of Clarksville and Calumet Township has evolved, over the more than two centuries since its founding, new industries, businesses, and forms of civic engagement have continually been introduced by those men and women who have lived in, and loved their hometown.
The Clarksville Community Foundation, however, is a first-of-its-kind strategy to build our community by investing in the long-term financial sustainability that can only be achieved with pooled contributions and management of endowments. Organized in early 2025 by four initial board members with various but longstanding ties to the community, the Foundation’s symbolic first deposit at People’s Savings Bank was$18.17 (the year of Clarksville’s founding) on April 15, “Tax Day”, given that the IRS has recognized the foundation as a 501c3 corporation in the State of Missouri.
Clarksville needs a strong Foundation, literally and in spirit, so that community organizations and civic endeavors can receive grantmaking for operations, and exciting programs and projects can drive in-the-moment fundraisers.
Our Mission
To strengthen the fabric of this town through stewardship of resources to make a difference for another two hundred years and beyond.
What is the Community Foundation?
A community foundation typically grows through tax-deductible major gifts, or estate planning, and/or bequests from wills or gifts of property. Annual solicitations or fundraising events will not be a focus of the foundation. If a civic entity wants to have a campaign to establish a Designated Fund at the Foundation for tax deductibility to the donors, or for building long-term and endowed funds with better returns than could be achieved on their own, they must first enter into an agreement with the Foundation to ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
Priority will be placed on unrestricted giving that builds a general fund that can grow with inflation while still distributing at least 4-5% of the fund each year.
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Our vision is to ensure that Clarksville’s non-profit infrastructure is strong and stable.
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For the general fund and any endowed funds, the Community Foundation’s board of directors sets a required annual distribution rate that is calculated as a percentage of fund assets over trailing quarters and is subject to change based on community needs, investment performance and the long‐term preservation of a funds’ principal.
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The general fund will utilize a total-return policy approved annually by the Board of Directors. Initial investments are 65% equities within certain classes and ranges, and 35% fixed income and cash.
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Grants must be for charitable purposes, and those grants may be recommended to any 501(c) organization or verified charitable entity (e.g. schools, religious institutions, municipalities). Grants are not permitted to individuals; for non‐charitable purposes; for political contributions or to support political campaign activities; or for any purpose that would provide benefits, goods, or services to a donor to the fund, the fund’s advisors, or other related parties.
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Since April of 2025, there have been more than $180,000 in deposits, and Designated Fund campaigns on behalf of two approved donor entities are underway. Funds and investment of funds are managed through the Trust department of People’s Savings Bank.
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Any civic entity that is approved under an agreement to create a Designated Fund will appoint a fund advisor to work with the Board as they consider investment and distribution of grants.
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An annual report will be posted on our website yearly, with performance metrics around gifts received, special purpose fulfillment, gain or loss on original gift amount, and grants made.