Frequently Asked Questions

Developing a charitable plan that takes into account your client\’s financial and charitable needs is no small task. As a professional advisor, the opportunity to help your clients achieve their philanthropic goals is both a privilege and a challenge. The Community Foundation wants to be a resource for you, as well as a philanthropic partner for your clients. A full understanding of charitable giving options, which can offer specific tax benefits, can help your clients achieve their financial, personal or business goals. The Community Foundation has an outstanding reputation for integrity and service to donors, and has developed unique resources for you to use in helping donors craft their charitable giving plans.

The Community Foundation offers several Types of Funds to help your client accomplish their charitable goals. Our Staff is available to discuss these options with you and help your client select one or more funds that best suit their philanthropic needs.

It is easy to establish a fund at The Community Foundation. Your clients can simply decide which type of fund best meets their interests and needs, determine their charitable priorities, select a name for the fund and determine the type of asset to use to fund the fund. The Community Foundation can typically prepare and complete the written Fund Agreement in less than one hour.

There are no minimums to establish a fund. There is no maximum limit and no 
set-up fee. 

Charitable giving should warm a donor’s heart, not burden them with tax complications and ongoing administrative details. Once your clients decide on the type of fund they would like to establish, our staff can set it up with a simple governing document that requires minutes to prepare and complete.

Your clients may select any name, use their own names, the names of individuals to be honored or memorialized or the name of a business. Some donors select a special name to maintain anonymity in their giving.

Each fund at The Foundation shares in the administrative costs of the Foundation. The Foundation charges a very low annual administrative fee ranging from 1.25% of net asset balance and adjusts on a declining scale based on the size of the fund. On a rare occasion and depending on the type of fund, there may be additional nominal fees to cover any additional administrative expenses. 

The Community Foundation offers different investment pools, and donors may advise the fund be invested in a way that best aligns with their needs, interests and investment tolerances.

There are many practical reasons why establishing a charitable fund at the Community Foundation might be better than creating a private foundation. See our comparison chart for benefits and services.

Your relationship does not end with your client, it is a partnership. You can be as involved as your client wishes.