The Longleaf Fund

In keeping with our long-term investment goal to protect, preserve and grow endowment principal, the North Carolina Community Foundation is pleased to offer a new investment vehicle for both existing and new donors – the Longleaf Fund.

What Are the Benefits of the Longleaf Fund?

• Access to a pool of external investment specialists within each style of investment (e.g. large cap value, small cap, international bonds, etc.) who have a proven track record of performance
• A structure where each asset manager is held accountable to a higher standard of performance as compared to the appropriate benchmark and execution of their investment process at a more competitive rate
• Historical data that demonstrates that such an investment approach produces higher and more consistent investment performance

Why Has the Longleaf Fund Been Created?
The Foundation’s finance staff and Finance Committee have worked with the investment consulting firm of A. G. Edwards to review the current investment structure, update the Foundation’s Investment Policy Statement, examine portfolio management at other large philanthropic organizations, and identify areas for improvement. Much time and research has gone into creating the Longleaf Fund and selecting asset managers that are “best in class.”

Have Existing Donors Committed to Participating in the Longleaf Fund?
We are excited that many of our donors who understand the benefits of this alternative have already committed to participate in this new investment option. The Foundation’s Finance Committee recommends the Longleaf Fund as the preferred investment vehicle for all new endowments.

Do I Have Other Investment Options In Addition to the Longleaf Fund?
New and existing donors still have the option to recommend that their fund be invested with a specific asset manager who has a considerable relationship with the Foundation and typically has a local presence in communities across our state. Relationships with these firms have been established to encourage involvement in directing charitable giving to the Foundation.

How Do I Recommend that My Fund Be Moved to the Longleaf Fund?
If you would like us to move your existing fund to the Longleaf Fund, please contact us and we will be happy to provide you that service. A simple form will begin the transfer process.

Allocation Targets for all NCCF Asset Managers