The Foundation has made it easy for you to establish your own charitable legacy. You have free access to the Foundation’s professional staff who will be happy to work with you and your advisors to decide how best to accomplish your charitable goals.

A family or individual may initially establish a named fund with cash, securities or other property. Nonprofit agencies may also start funds with a minimum initial deposit of $10,000.

There are many ways for individuals, families, companies and private foundations to establish a fund at the Foundation. The arrangements usually can be made during one meeting, with funds being governed by a clear and brief agreement and funds may be established immediately or at later date during your life. Please contact us to start a fund.

Fund FAQ

Whatever your philanthropic dreams, the Foundation provides expertise and flexibility in charitable giving. We will work with you to create a giving program that is customized to your passions, your assets and your personal and financial goals. We offer several types of funds to help simplify your giving and allow you to focus on making a difference. From donor-advised funds that give you the option to suggest grant recipients, to field of interest funds that allow you to focus on the causes you care about most our giving options are flexible and tailored to meet your needs. You can leave a legacy by establishing a community endowment fund and support a permanent charitable resource dedicated to meeting community needs today and tomorrow.

We offer unparalleled local knowledge, expertise, personalized service, professional advice and investment options. We’ll help you create a tax-wise plan that provides advantageous charitable deductions while increasing the impact of your giving. Our goal is to help you determine the means of giving that best suits your personal interests and profile – and we can handle complex transactions, including donations of real estate, stock and other appreciated assets.

You or your Estate Planner is encouraged to contact us to be sure that we can help meet your long term charitable goals and discuss the options for bequeathing from your estate.

Charitable trusts can benefit any of the permanent funds at the Foundation or other named nonprofit organizations. Such trusts can provide a current tax benefit, reduce estate taxes, provide for family or friends, and ultimately benefit the community. The Foundation can also serve as trustee when other nonprofit groups are supported through an endowed fund with us.

Your gift keeps pace with changing times, will be overseen by community leaders and it will be used to meet current community needs – regardless of how they change over time.

Private foundations can work as a partner with the Foundation to facilitate their own grant making process through a donor-advised fund. Private foundation trustees continue to advise where, how and when grants should be made from these funds. A private foundation can also work with the Foundation on its discretionary grant making efforts.

Sometimes it is in the best interest of the trustees of the private foundation to convert into a donor-advised fund that continues the original name of the founders. In addition, assets may be distributed to a discretionary fund at the Foundation or to one or more field of interest funds. Private foundations may also convert into a supporting organization of the Foundation. This corporate structure allows donors to participate on a Board of Directors, recommend grants and review proposals.

The Foundation can also prepare draft endowment agreements, charitable gift annuity projections and other reports.