Establish a Fund at the Foundation

Starting an endowed fund to benefit your charitable interests is an easy process through the Community Giving Foundation. We'd like to help you create a lasting legacy that will provide perpetual support to the charitable concerns most important to you. By creating a named endowed fund, you are establishing a permanent gift to the cause(s) you care about most. Each year, your endowed fund will distribute a grant investment, as determined by you when you create your fund. There are several important considerations in starting a fund at the Foundation:

  • What charitable needs do I want to support? The answer to this question will help determine the type of fund you'd like to create. Perhaps you have a very specific interest in a nonprofit organization. Or maybe you have a wide variety of charitable interests. We can help you design the endowed fund that will meet your needs. Read more about each type of fund here.
  • Do I want to be actively involved in recommending grants? If your answer is yes, then you may wish to consider a Donor Advised Fund, which allows you to be actively involved in the grantmaking process. With this type of fund, you will have the opportunity to directly recommend grantees.
  • What will I name my fund? Endowed funds can be named for the donor, a loved one, a field of charitable interest, or a specific nonprofit organization. There is great flexibility in choosing the name of your fund. Often the endowed fund is named to establish a lasting legacy for the donor or their interests in the community. View current Community Giving Foundation funds for more examples.
  • How do I make a gift to my fund? There are many ways to give to your endowed fund now. A charitable gift to your fund is eligible for the maximum available tax deduction. (Please consult your tax advisor regarding specific deductibility for your personal tax rate and circumstances.) Most any asset of value may be considered for a charitable gift: cash, appreciated stock and securities, personal property, life insurance, and real estate. You may also wish to consider a planned gift to benefit your fund. Some planned gifts may even provide life income and most offer the benefit of estate tax savings.

To Get Started

Discover your community giving story and the options available to create your own fund by walking through our Giving Workbook. Then, please give us a call or email to schedule a confidential meeting with you to discuss your charitable interests and your thoughts about starting a fund. By meeting with you personally, we can help you design the endowed fund that is specific to your needs and giving interests. We hope to hear from you soon!


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]



All contributions are administered through Community Giving Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, and are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. IRS regulations require us to state that no goods or services were provided in consideration for your gift and the Foundation has exclusive legal control over the contributed assets. The official registration and financial information of Community Giving Foundation may be obtained from the PA Dept. of State by calling toll free, within PA, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.