Investment Solutions & Fee Structure
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
Managed by Northern Trust, this pool takes a long-term approach to grow and preserve endowed funds. Its strategy targets an average annual return of 8-9% through a diversified mix of equities, fixed income, alternatives, and cash.
Additional Investment Pools
We also offer specialized options to meet different goals and risk preferences, including:
- Balanced portfolios at varying risk levels
- Capital preservation
- Environment, Social, and Governance Fund (ESG) investments
- Passively-managed index funds
Individually Managed Funds
Donors and nonprofit partners with assets of $5 million or more may recommend their own investment manager or a custom strategy, subject to the approval of the Foundation’s Investment Committee and Board of Trustees. We welcome existing advisor relationships and ensure regular reporting.
Transparent, Mission-Driven Fees
DuPage Foundation charges administrative and investment fees to help sustain our mission while supporting your charitable goals. There is no fee to open or close a fund at DuPage Foundation. However, any direct expenses related to a fund—such as transaction fees or other approved costs—will be charged to that fund.
Each fund is also responsible for its share of investment fees based on the investment strategy selected. Administrative fees help fuel our operations and programs.
Administrative Fee Schedule
Donor-Advised Funds will be charged administrative fees equal to 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.
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. If the principal balance dips below $25,000, any money passed through will be charged a 3% administrative fee upon deposit.
Investment Fee Schedule
Investment fees for Foundation funds currently range from .19% to .90% annually, depending upon their respective investment pool and investment strategy.
David Weisz
Vice President for Finance
This content is provided for informational purposes only. DuPage Foundation does not provide legal or tax advice and recommends that you consult with your tax and legal advisors and other members of your professional advisor team prior to making a significant charitable gift. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.