Frequently Asked Questions

The Community Foundation does the work for you. When you have a fund at The Community Foundation, you receive personal service and knowledge for your contribution. We perform due diligence on each organization and our work with other fundholders and organizations often allows us to identify a need within the community that fits your charitable goals. In addition, with our donor-advised funds, you are giving directly to an organization when you make your own grant recommendations. Your fund is invested with our other Foundation assets which allows your fund to grow and receive the returns of the economies of scale. You are maximizing your potential and the gifts as the fund grows.

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.