Services

Types of Gifts

The Foundation accepts a wide variety of assets as gifts, all of which qualify for maximum tax deductibility because of our public charity status. We accept gifts of cash, publicly traded securities, closely held stock, real estate, insurance, or other readily converted assets. In some instances, the Foundation will accept limited partnership interests.

Endowment Funds - When a donor establishes an endowed fund within the Foundation, the initial gift is invested. Only a portion of the fund is used for grants to support charitable organizations. The balance remains invested to build up the principal slowly to keep pace with inflation. Over time, grants from an endowed fund far exceed the amount of the original gift.  Click here to see how your Endowment Fund Can Give & Grow . . . Forever!!

Unrestricted Fund - offers the greatest flexibility in response to changing community needs. The Foundation’s Board of Directors determines the grants that will be made in the community.

Field of Interest Fund - can benefit a variety of organizations that focus on a specific area of interest to the donor (such as the arts, education, environment, or human services). These funds may have an advisory committee to recommend grant recipients, or the Foundation Grants Committee may select qualified programs.

Donor Advised Fund - allows the donor to remain active in charitable giving through recommendations to the Board of Directors. Donors can select an Advisory Committee made up of friends or family members that can recommend specific grants from the fund.

Designated Fund - provides for support to particular charitable organizations in perpetuity. The Foundation regularly reviews the organizations to ensure that they continue to serve the purposes the donor considered worthy of support. Importantly, if the charity ceases to exist or their mission changes, the Board of Directors will make grants to a non-profit agency with a similar mission.

Scholarship Fund - can benefit qualified individuals chosen by the Foundation or some other independent selection committee.

Nonprofit Agency Endowment - Many agencies establish an endowment to provide steady income. A portion of the fund balance is distributed to the organization on a regular schedule.

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OTHER SERVICES OFFERED

Easy Recordkeeping:  No need to keep track of numerous tax receipts - your contribution to your Community Foundation fund is the only documentation you need.

Historical Chart of Grantmaking:   Each year, we provide you with a listing of your grantmaking over the previous five years to help you with your philanthropic planning.

Customized Consulting Services

Identify Your Priorities:  Our professional staff is available to help you identify your charitable priorities and devise a personalized philanthropic vision for your fund.

Research Charitable Organizations:   You may want to learn more about a charitable organization anonymously. We can conduct research and enquiries on your behalf.

Explore Local Needs of Interest to You:   If you are interested in a particular community issue (such as services for the elderly, early childhood education, etc.), we can gather information for you and provide guidance on making grants to support those areas.

  We offer free programs that help donors learn about issues related to family philanthropy. The programs enable donors to meet each other, discuss important topics and take away ideas to use with their own families.