Organizational funds are established by nonprofit organizations to generate funds for their own uses. The Feldman Chamber Music Society, Hope House Foundation, Norfolk Rotary Club, F.O.R.Kids Inc and the Virginia Arts Festival are among the 12 organizations with organizational funds at the Foundation.

Example: Hope House Foundation Fund

In 1964 a group of area parents banded together to create the Hope House Foundation. Their dream was to provide homes and services for their adult children with developmental disabilities.

"The parents worried that after their deaths their children would be put in large institutions," says Lynne Seagle, executive director of the Hope House Foundation. Since its founding Hope House has grown into an organization assisting 100 adults in Chesapeake, Norfolk and Portsmouth. All live independently with support from Hope House staff members.

Some clients like Tone and Vera Riddick of Norfolk reside in their own homes. Tone is a Hope House Thrift Shop employee while Vera works at Kentucky Fried Chicken. Both Riddicks are proud of the clapboard bungalow they purchased in 2000 with guidance from Hope House staff members. Other clients like music lover Larry Guynn of Norfolk live in one of seven apartment buildings owned by Hope House. All clients receive regular help from staff members who assist with shopping, money management, transportation and social activities.

While Hope House has long had generous donors, dedicated staff and volunteers, and effective fundraisers it lacked one critical element — an endowment. In 2002, after exploring many options. Hope House became the 10th nonprofit organization to create an endowment with The Norfolk Foundation.

The goal is to provide "for the long-term financial health of the organization," Seagle says. "We felt like we were a good match with The Norfolk Foundation. It has a long history of working in the region as well as handling investments."