Current Giving Options
The easiest way for your clients to make a gift today is through our online form. If they are interested in creating their own fund with an initial investment of $25,000, the chart below offers an at-a-glance comparison of options (also available for download in our Current Giving Options brochure). Our different types of funds offer you a choice between permanence and flexibility. Each of these is potentially a tax-advantaged, low-cost alternative to a private foundation. Most importantly, donors are able to access the grantmaking, fiduciary, and community expertise of our experienced professional staff.
We are eager to answer your questions or set up a meeting to discuss a gift.
Please email the Philanthropic Engagement Department or call 585.271.4100..
Gifts to Meet the Changing Needs of Your Community
| FUND TYPE |
DESCRIPTION |
BENEFITS to DONORS |
MINIMUM |
| Forever (Unrestricted) |
A flexible, future-oriented fund established to meet a broad range of local needs today and tomorrow. Grants address pressing issues as they arise, support innovative ideas and programs, and strengthen nonprofit organizations.
• Fund Agreement
• Information and Authorization Form |
Supports changing community needs forever in the fund name chosen by the donor. The Community Foundation handles the grant research, administration, and distribution on the donor’s behalf. |
$25,000 |
Gifts for Favorite Causes
| FUND TYPE |
DESCRIPTION |
BENEFITS to DONORS |
MINIMUM |
| Field of Interest |
A fund that benefits causes in a particular field of interest to the donor. The Community Foundation accepts proposals from nonprofits and recommends grants.
• Fund Agreement
• Information and Authorization Form |
Matches grantmaking with donor interests. Allows flexibility to provide grants for new organizations programs in the future. |
$25,000 |
| Scholarship |
A fund that provides scholarships to students. A committee recommends grants.
Fund Agreement |
Allows donors to recognize outstanding students or those studying in a particular field. It is also an excellent vehicle for honoring or memorializing someone. |
$50,000 |
Gifts for Specific Charities
| FUND TYPE |
DESCRIPTION |
BENEFITS to DONORS |
MINIMUM |
| Donor Advised or Charitable Investor Fund |
A fund established by a donor to support his or her charitable interests over time. The donor recommends grants.
• Donor Advised Fund Agreement
• Charitable Investor Fund Agreement
• Information and Authorization Form |
Attractive alternative to private foundation. Offers flexibility, actively involves donors and successors in grantmaking, and can fund a legacy gift. Our Charitable Investor option allows you to choose your investment mix and spend both principal and income. |
$25,000 (DAF)
$50,000 (CIF) |
| Designated |
A fund established by a donor to benefit one or more designated charities, which may include the Community Foundation. The charities receive annual grants.
• Fund Agreement
• Information and Authorization Form |
Endows annual giving, provides professionally managed support for smaller organizations, and will always support the cause even if an organization closes its doors. |
$25,000 |
| Organization |
A fund established by a nonprofit to create an endowment. The nonprofit may receive an annual grant or reinvest income.
• Fund Agreement
• Organization Information Form |
Organizations can create an endowment fund with professional management and low fees. Assistance is provided for planned giving and endowment building. |
$50,000 |
| Charitable Checking AccountSM |
A fund that offers convenient current giving. The donor recommends grants. Fund principal is guaranteed.
Fund Agreement and Information Form |
Allows donors to make contributions to the fund as needed, then request grants to nonprofit organizations of their choosing. |
$10,000 |
All invested funds may gain or lose value. Donors 70½ or older also may direct up to $100,000 from their IRAs to the Foundation each year. Satisfies minimum withdrawal requirements. Applies only to the following funds: Forever, Field of Interest, Designated, and Scholarship.