Page 12 - Fall 2024 Newsletter

Maine Community Foundation’s Financials:

A Compass for Strategic Growth

By Jon A. McLaughlin ’73,
Executive Director

Condensed from an article in a recent Maine Community Foundation publication

The Alumni Association’s funds are strategically
invested by the Maine Community Foundation
(MaineCF) to support our philanthropic mission.
Annually, 4% of our investment earnings are directed
back to the Alumni Association, primarily funding our
scholarship program. Meanwhile, the remaining 96%
is reinvested to grow the endowment. This approach
ensures our principal remains untouched, creating a
strong and sustainable relationship between our two
organizations.
Financial Summary
Key Financial Metrics
MaineCF’s long-term strategy emphasizes balanced
According to MaineCF’s 2023-2024 Impact Report, as risk to safeguard and grow capital for charitable
of December 31, 2023, MaineCF managed total assets purposes. This prudent approach has consistently
of $742,690,925. By the end of Q3 2024, the Alumni delivered positive results for both the foundation and
Association’s assets with MaineCF reached $3,925,000. its donors, including the Alumni Association.
We anticipate closing 2024 with nearly $4,000,000,
steadily progressing toward our $4,500,000 goal set a A Valuable Partnership
few years ago. The Alumni Association’s collaboration with MaineCF
A Diversified Portfolio has proven invaluable. With most Houlton Alumni
Association board members being volunteers rather
MaineCF’s investment strategy focuses on preserving than seasoned investors, MaineCF’s expertise allows
and enhancing the real value of assets over time. us to focus on our core mission—engaging alumni
This is achieved through a globally diversified asset and funding scholarships—while they manage our
allocation, managed by more than 30 investment financial assets. It’s a partnership that delivers tangible
professionals. Their careful approach ensures balanced benefits.
growth and risk management.
Planned Giving Opportunities
Investment Performance
If you or your financial advisor are interested in
MaineCF’s investment strategy has yielded strong, exploring Planned Giving opportunities with the
risk-adjusted returns over the years. After a challenging Alumni Association, please contact:
2022, 2023 brought significant recovery, with the
S&P 500’s strong performance boosting MaineCF’s Mrs. Jennifer Richard, JD
primary pool portfolio to a 13.2% return, compared Senior Director of Gift Planning
to its benchmark’s 15.4%. Since its inception, Maine Community Foundation
MaineCF’s primary investment portfolio has achieved 2 Monument Square, Suite 403
an annualized return of 7.9%, outperforming its Portland, Maine 04101
benchmark index at 7.0%. (207) 412-0833
(207) 761-2459 Fax
jrichard@mainecf.org

12 www.houltonalumni.com