Types of Funds

Everyone has dreams.

Philanthropy is a sure way to enable our individual and collective dreams to leave an impact on the community we love so well.  When the Foundation works with you, our donors, our goal is always to be true to your intent and to find a way to help you make your gift work the way you want it to.

As a donor, you may choose to contribute to existing funds or may create one or more types of funds in your name or anonymously.  Community Foundations are able to work with a wide variety of fund types; there is sure to be one that meets your needs.

Unrestricted Fund

Unrestricted funds may be established by donors who wish to leave the distribution of funds to the discretion of the Community Foundation’s Board. An unrestricted fund or gift allows the Foundation to respond to local immediate and changing needs.

Community Grant Funds

The Grant Reviews Committee – community and Foundation representatives – reviews community opportunities and needs, as well as requests from local nonprofit organizations, in order to determine grants in areas that include art and culture, community development, environment, education, human services, athletics and recreation, domestic animal welfare and protection, and historical tradition and preservation.

Field of Interest Funds

Field of Interest Funds are established by donors who wish to make an impact in a specific area of interest or in broad areas of concern, i.e. the arts or human services.  Foundation staff and board of directors identify specific grantee organizations.

Donor Advised Funds

Donor Advised Funds allow donors to actively participate in the grant-making process over time.  You – and those you name – may recommend grants to the Board and this type of fund affords the flexibility to change the organizations you support through the years.

Please read this interesting article about Reaping the Benefits of Donor-Advised Funds.

Designated Funds

Each Designated Fund provides perpetual support for one or more specific organizations of the donor’s choice.

Agency Endowment Funds

Agency Endowment Funds enable nonprofit organizations to ensure their own futures with an endowment that provides perpetual support for operations.  Agency endowment funds may be started by the agency itself or by a generous donor.

Scholarships

Scholarship Funds are established to provide educational assistance to students.  They are tailored to meet the intent of individual donors and are frequently established as memorials.

Fiscal Sponsorship/Pass-Through Funds

Fiscal Sponsorship Funds are established for a particular community purpose.  Most often a fund is for a short-term charitable project for groups not designated as 501(c)(3) organizations, or the Foundation may provide administrative support for a fledgling charitable organization that will benefit our community.

Capital Campaign Funds

On a case-by-case basis, the Foundation will consider holding capital funds for agencies in the valley with active building campaigns.

Whatever type of fund a donor chooses to found, funds remain in the name of the donor permanently, and the Community Foundation provides all the administrative support to honor the donors’ philanthropic intent. Of course, any donor who wishes to remain anonymous may do so.