Stewarding charitable assets is a responsibility that requires foresight, expertise, and a deep commitment to community. In this edition of Ask an Expert, Torrey Littleton, Chief Financial Officer, shares how we manage assets, the role of impact investing in our portfolio, and what makes a community foundation’s financial model unique. With support from his team, Torrey helps ensure that our financial strategy not only preserves and grows resources—but also aligns with the values and priorities of our donors.
From a Financial Point of View, What Makes a Community Foundation Unique?
The Dallas Foundation was established as a community foundation to serve as a permanent source of charitable funding for Dallas County. We offer donors all the tax advantages of giving to a charity, plus the long-term benefits of endowment funding, with the option to establish a fund in their name or that of a family member or loved one.
The Foundation stewards more than 700 of these types of funds, established by individuals, families, and organizations. We are able to accept a range of contributions—from cash to stock to complex and illiquid assets. We also provide grant support to nonprofits throughout Dallas County and beyond, depending on the charitable priorities of our donors, and serve as the back office to several charitable and civic initiatives.
It’s a complex business model shaped heavily by accounting standards and IRS guidelines that are unique to our sector.
How Does The Dallas Foundation Manage Its Investment Portfolio?
Alongside daily stewardship of assets by senior staff and members of the Finance team, The Dallas Foundation engages the expertise of an external investment manager, overseen by an Investment Committee comprised of current and past members of the Foundation’s Board of Governors.
The emphasis across every aspect of this management is on the long-term preservation of assets and maximizing growth, so that both the Foundation and our donors have more charitable dollars to support our community.
What Steps Are Taken to Ensure Long-Term Stewardship of the Foundation’s Resources?
The Foundation prioritizes our role as a trusted expert and partner to our fundholders and the community, ensuring transparency and maximizing collaboration with every donor, nonprofit organization, or financial advisor we work with.
At the same time, our team takes a forward-looking approach to investment management and has undertaken a comprehensive review of our governance structure, including oversight of investments and evaluation of current pool options and product offerings.
Investing in What Matters
Through thoughtful stewardship and a values-driven approach to investing, The Dallas Foundation ensures that every charitable dollar goes further. With an eye toward both long-term growth and near-term impact, our financial leadership helps turn generosity into lasting change for Dallas.
