Agency Funds | Support for Nonprofits in North Carolina

As a nonprofit leader, you’re in this work to change lives and support North Carolina communities. Every day, you have to focus on the right now: running your essential programs, supporting your team and raising the funds to meet urgent challenges.

You also want to ensure your organization can make a sustainable impact. That means stable funding that protects your nonprofit’s mission through evolving funding needs, economic shifts and staff changes.

Establishing an agency fund at the North Carolina Community Foundation is how you safeguard your mission for the long haul.

Inside a food truck filled with bins of potatoes and other produce, several people with their backs to the camera pick up fresh food during the distribution.

What is an agency fund?

An agency fund is a permanent endowment created exclusively for nonprofits that is invested for long-term growth and provides an ongoing source of income. It helps your organization fulfill your vision now and in the future.

This fund compliments your annual giving campaigns.

While annual giving covers your immediate needs, an endowment acts like a financial cornerstone to preserve your nonprofit’s impact for generations.

How does an agency fund grow and protect your money?

When you establish an agency fund at NCCF, you place your assets – whether cash or other investment assets – in the hands of an expert partner dedicated to you.

We protect your core investment. That means a permanent safety net for your organization that follows all financial guidelines.
We grow your investment in the background. Our financial experts focus on responsibly growing your fund over time, making your dollars go further to help meet your goals.
You get a steady, reliable stream of funding. Every year, the fund generates a conservative annual payout that flows right back to your nonprofit. That’s income your organization can count on year after year or reinvest to continue growing your endowment.

Why choose NCCF to manage your agency fund?

Volunteers using the STAR rehabilitation center at the NC Aquarium.

The Network for Endangered Sea Turtles has an agency fund at NCCF.

A trusted partner can make all the difference. NCCF partners with more than 300 nonprofit organizations across the state on their agency endowments.

We are a team of collaborative, passionate partners with North Carolina roots. We know exactly how to navigate planned giving and manage everything from cash investments to non-cash assets like real estate, life insurance or stock.

We handle the backend work and administrative details so you don’t have to.

Why nonprofits choose to open an agency fund with NCCF

Continuity matters

Through turnover and organizational change, we’re your anchor. Leadership rotates, board members change, but your NCCF team truly knows your organization. You can rely on us for consistent investment oversight, and we’ll always protect your legacy and support your team through every single transition.

Deepened trust for your donors

An agency fund shows your community that your nonprofit is built to last, and that their donations to your organization will continue to make a difference. Partnering with a trusted foundation like NCCF is a sign of financial health, giving supporters confidence to invest in your mission.

Dedicated, local support

Strong relationships matter. At NCCF, you get a dedicated team that is always here for you. We’re more than financial experts; we’re your trusted support system. We’re transparent and make the process simple. Whether you have a quick question or a new challenge comes up, we’re there alongside you.

How NCCF agency funds help nonprofits build stability

Hear from other nonprofit leaders in the state, such as Joni Ray, the Ashe County Arts Council’s executive director. about how agency funds supoort their work.

Learn more

Woman in glasses and shirt with flower patterns smiling at camera with trees and mountains behind her.

Joni Ray, executive director of the Ashe County Arts Council

North Carolina Center for Nonprofits

“The North Carolina Community Foundation really understands nonprofits and communities across the state,” says Tracy Careyette, the chief financial and operations officer for the NC Center, which has an agency fund at NCCF.

Watch