Establishing your own endowed fund with Community Giving Foundation is a very easy process. Often, only one meeting is required to start a fund. Personal, named funds can be established for as little as $10,000*. Contributions can be added to the fund at any time. Current or planned gifts can be used to create a named fund for a variety of fund options. What fund works best for your charitable interests?
Community Endowment Funds
Unrestricted Funds
The flexibiliy of unrestricted funds allow the Foundation to use the expertise of staff and widely representative board to make the best possible community investments across all issue areas for generations to come. Unrestricted funds serve the Foundation's full 5 1/2 county footprint. When you establish an unrestricted fund, grantmaking decisions are directed by the Foundation using a data-driven lens to ensure grants from these funds are maximizing impact across the region.
Field of Interest Funds
These funds allow donors to benefit from the expertise of the Foundation's staff and data-driven lens while allowing you to identify an area of personal interest. Field of interest funds can serve (1) a specific geography, but unlimited interest areas, (2) a specific interest area, but unlimited geography, or (3) a specific geography and specific interest area. Within those paramenters, the Foundation will direct grantmaking by identifying the best possible community investments for generations to come.
Giving Services Funds
Designated Funds
These funds are created to perpetually benefit a predetermined nonprofit by providing ongoing support. The Foundation automatically processes grants annually in the name of the fund and handles administrative responsibilities, allowing the nonprofit to focus on their mission.
Donor Advised Funds
These funds serve as a flexible solution to charitable giving, allowing you to take an immediate tax deduction when you make your gift and enjoy the flexibility to recommend nonprofit grants over time. The Foundation handles all of the administrative work for you.
Scholarship Funds
These funds are established to inspire young people and invest in the community's future. Donors establish selection criteria for the type of students they'd like to support. Whether it's academic success, financial need, community involvement, or a specific area of study, the Foundation finds the perfect student and handles all administrative details.
Special Project Funds & Fiscal Sponsorships
The Foundation will work with donors in special situations to tailor charitable giving as needed. Contact Foundation staff to learn more about other giving vehicles.
Additional Information
Memorial/Tribute Funds: Provide a lasting tribute and permanent legacy in honor of a loved one. Any type of fund listed above can be used as a memorial fund. Family and friends can actively participate in establishing these funds through memorial contributions. Additional contributions to funds can be made at any time. Memorial contributions can also be accepted for any existing fund within the Foundation.
The Power of Endowments: When you create a fund through the Foundation, you have the opportunity to benefit the community forever with a permanent endowment invested for long-term growth. Learn more about endowment funds here.
Testamentary Funds: These funds are planned gifts that ensure causes close to your heart benefit in perpetuity after you are gone. Learn more about planned giving and legacy planning here.
Please contact Community Giving Foundation Staff for more information on charitable giving and establishing a fund at the Foundation.
Alyssa Meyers-Sanonu, Director of Philanthropy
570.752.3930 ext. 3 or [email protected]
Kara G. Seesholtz, President and CEO
570.752.3930 ext. 4 or [email protected]
*Named funds can be started for less than the $10,000 minimum amount with a plan to contribute for up to 5 years until the fund reaches the minimum amount. The fund is able to make a payout grant when it reaches the minimum amount. If the fund does not reach the minimum amount in a 5-year period, the fund’s assets may be added to the Foundation’s General Charitable Purpose Fund.