People sometimes ask: “How do I know donations to the McCready Foundation will be used responsibly?”

That is a widely held concern among donors everywhere- especially in times of economic uncertainty.

McCready in Crisfield works closely with the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, which manages a “Nonprofit Partner Fund.” This proven financial investment vehicle is designed to protect and grow McCready’s assets.

The Salisbury-based Community Foundation is a non-profit organization with a governing board composed of widely-respected civic leaders representing business, charitable and general communities on the lower Eastern Shore. 

McCready's governing board is committed to being a good steward of all gifts it receives in support of the healthcare its facilities provide. Like many other charitable organizations across Delmarva, McCready leaders entrust the Community Foundation with safeguarding and managing its donations. 

That's why McCready hands over monetary gifts it receives to the Nonprofit Partner Fund. The Community Foundation, in turn, pools those donations in a common portfolio -- much like a mutual fund. The Community Foundation makes its annual reports available online, where you can explore how the organization is growing its member-partners' investments and securities.

Charitable organizations such as McCready benefit because the Community Foundation's goal is managing funds to keep pace with inflation and hopefully, generate a higher return on investments.

Management fees are 1% annually and cover investment costs, staff services, preparation of an annual report, an annual audit and the services of an investment consulting firm. The latter monitors the performance of investment managers.

In addition to managing McCready’s funds to achieve growth in value, the Community Foundation provides independent oversight and controls distribution of the money back to McCready, assuring it is used for the purpose donors intended.