History
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Spur was founded in April 2016 by Wood River Valley community members interested in improving philanthropy in the area, on both an individual and communal level. Understanding the importance of the nonprofit sector to the economy, the community's needs, and local quality of life, Spur’s founders recognized how the Wood River Valley could benefit from a curator of philanthropic opportunity.
Spur is designed to facilitate giving by simplifying the donor experience and the landscape of opportunities while helping nonprofits thoughtfully increase their efficiency and impact. We provide knowledge, relationships and systems to achieve these results.
From the start, we have embraced a unique business model compared to other community foundations. We choose to fund our own operational expenses with contributions from our Board of Directors, our Advisory Board members, and donors who value how we help them. Our rationale for this approach stems from the following beliefs:
Assessing fees on fund balances creates a backwards incentive to hold onto money rather see it disbursed into the community where it is needed.
Delivering value is imperative, and people will contribute more if they value our services than the 1% or less in fees that is the standard rate at other community foundations and fiscal sponsors of charitable funds, like Fidelity, Schwab, and Vanguard.
Soliciting donations from the general public would put us in competition with the nonprofits we are trying to support.