How Do I Establish My Own Fund?

1. Decide how you would like to make the contribution to establish the fund. You can contribute cash, securities or other property. A minimum of $10,000 is required to establish the fund.
2. Select a name for your fund. It could be your name, your family’s name, someone you would like to honor or remember or the name could reflect the intent of the fund.

After Your Fund Is Established, You May:

1. Add to the fund at any time in any dollar amount.
2. Work with Foundation staff to identify and connect to needs in the community that are eligible for grants.
3. Work with Foundation staff to specify how grant disbursements are to be acknowledged – whether it is in the name of the fund or anonymously.

Ways to Give

Planned Gifts. Through a variety of life income plans, you can provide yourself or someone named by you with a lifetime income stream and an irrevocable gift to the Foundation at the death of the income beneficiary. Charitable remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities and life insurance are ways in which you can meet your charitable goals while establishing a permanent and lasting legacy.

Lifetime Gifts. You can enjoy seeing the benefits of your generosity during your lifetime by making an outright gift of cash, appreciated stock or real estate, as well as tangible personal property and other types of assets, while becoming eligible for a tax deduction for your contribution.

Bequests. Often considered the most time-honored method of charitable giving, gifts can be made through your Will or Trust.

Retirement Plans. Significant tax benefits can be gained by naming the Foundation as the residual beneficiary of retirement-plan assets to achieve your charitable goals.