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Donors

Questions about our investment solutions or fees? Please contact David A. Weisz, vice president for finance for more information.

phone: 630.598.5310
email: david@dupagefoundation.org 

Investment Solutions & Fees

At DuPage Foundation, providing effective stewardship of the charitable capital entrusted to us is paramount. Since 1986, we have served as a trusted partner to our donors, agency partners and other constituents delivering a range of investment solutions to meet their objectives and ensure that funds are ready when needed.

All Foundation investments are overseen by our experienced Investment Committee, staff and consultants.

The Foundation is pleased to partner with Northern Trust as our Investment Advisor and primary investment manager. In this role, Northern implements a dynamic asset allocation strategy as approved by our Investment Committee.

Investment Pools

Main Investment Pool
The Foundation's Main Investment Pool is managed by Northern Trust. The investment strategy for the Main Investment Pool focuses on a long-term time horizon conducive to the growth and preservation of endowed funds with an average annual target return of 8 - 9%.

The Main Investment Pool's asset allocation includes a mix of equities, fixed income, cash, and alternatives. For greater detail, please view our Statement of Investment Policy or contact David A. Weisz, vice president for finance.

Additional Investment Pools
The Foundation offers a variety of other pools to meet the unique needs of our donors and agency partners. These pools vary significantly in their strategies, asset allocations, and fees, which can range from .23% to .9% annually. Examples include:

  • Balanced Portfolios at Varying Risk Levels
  • Capital Preservation
  • Environment, Social and Governance Fund (ESG)
  • Passively-Managed Equity Index

For greater detail about our investment pools, please contact David A. Weisz, vice president for finance.

Individually Managed Funds

Honoring existing relationships between our donors, agency partners and their investment advisors is important to us. Through our Individually Managed Fund program, donors and agency partners with asset balances of $1 million or greater may recommend that their contributions and deposits be managed by a specific investment manager or utilize an asset allocation outside of those available in our existing pools. Such recommendations are subject to the approval of the Foundation's Investment Committee and Board. If accepted, the requested investment manager must report regularly to the Foundation's Investment Committee.

Fees

Funds at DuPage Foundation are assessed an annual administrative fee and their respective investment management fees. The administrative fees that we charge may be viewed as financial support for a local charity benefiting DuPage County residents through our grant programs, initiatives, and other activities.

There is no fee to open or close any fund at the Foundation; however, any direct expenses incurred on behalf of a fund, including transaction fees and fees that require approval by the fund advisor(s), will be assessed against the fund. In addition, funds will be assessed their share of the investment fees incurred on their behalf.

Administrative Fee Schedule

Donor-Advised Funds will be charged administrative fees at the greater of $500 annually or per the following schedule:

  • First $1,000,000:
    • .75% assessed quarterly at .001875
  • Next $1,500,000:
    • .50% assessed quarterly at .00125
  • Next $2,500,000:
    • .35% assessed quarterly at .000875
  • Next $5,000,000:
    • .20% assessed quarterly at .0005
  • Over $10,000,000:
    • .10% assessed quarterly at .00025

Agency Funds:

  • First $250,000:
    • 1% assessed quarterly at .0025
  • Next $750,000:
    • .75% assessed quarterly at .001875
  • Next 1,500,000:
    • .50% assessed quarterly at .00125
  • Next $2,500,000:
    • .35% assessed quarterly at .000875
  • Over $5,000,000:
    • .20% assessed quarterly at .0005

Designated, Field-of-Interest, and Unrestricted Funds
Charged a 1.5% per annum administrative fee assessed quarterly at .00375 or 37.5 basis points on the fund balance. 

Scholarship Funds
Charged 3% assessed quarterly at .0075. The minimum amount to establish a scholarship fund is $50,000

Pass-Through Funds
Pass-through funds will be charged 3% upon deposit. Any money passed through an endowed fund with a minimum balance of $25,000 will be charged a 1% administrative fee as money is deposited with no further administrative fees while the money is being held. In the event that the principal balance dips below $25,000, any money passed through will be charged a 3% administrative fee upon deposit.

Investment Fee Schedule
All Foundation funds will be assessed their share of investment fees incurred on their behalf; however, no investment fees will be assessed against deposits kept in the Foundation's money market account. Investment fees for Foundation funds currently range from .23% - .9% annually depending upon their respective investment pool and investment strategy.

DuPage Foundation is not engaged in rendering legal, financial, or tax advice. Information in our publications and on this website is given as a service to provide general information about charitable giving. Individuals' personal situations may vary. Please consult your financial and legal advisors. Performance data provided is based upon past performance and is no guarantee of future results. 

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