How to Create a Fund

If you are interested in creating your 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
FUND TYPE
Forever (Unrestricted)
DESCRIPTION
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
Fillable Information and Authorization Form (Word Doc)
Information and Authorization Form (PDF)
BENEFITS TO DONORS
Supports changing community needs forever in a name of the donor’s choosing. The Community Foundation handles the grant research, administration, and distribution on the donor’s behalf.
MINIMUM
$25,000

Gifts for Favorite Causes

FUND TYPE
DESCRIPTION
BENEFITS TO DONORS
MINIMUM
FUND TYPE
Field of Interest
DESCRIPTION
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
Fillable Information and Authorization Form (Word Doc)
Information and Authorization Form (PDF)
BENEFITS TO DONORS
Matches grantmaking with donor interests. Allows flexibility to provide grants for new organizations programs in the future.
MINIMUM
$25,000
FUND TYPE
Scholarship
DESCRIPTION
A fund that provides scholarships to students. A committee recommends grants.

Fund Agreement
Fillable Information and Authorization Form (Word Doc)
Information and Authorization Form (PDF)
BENEFITS TO DONORS
Allows donors to recognize outstanding students or those studying in a particular field. It is also an excellent vehicle for honoring or memorializing someone.
MINIMUM
$50,000

Gifts for Specific Charities

FUND TYPE
DESCRIPTION
BENEFITS TO DONORS
MINIMUM
FUND TYPE
Donor Advised or Charitable Investor Fund
DESCRIPTION
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 Form (Fillable Word doc or PDF)
Fillable Information and Authorization Form (Word Doc)
Information and Authorization Form (PDF)
BENEFITS TO DONORS
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.
MINIMUM
$25,000 (DAF)
$50,000 (CIF)
FUND TYPE
Designated
DESCRIPTION
An endowed fund established by a donor to benefit one or more specified charities. The charities receive annual grants.

Fund Agreement
Fillable Information and Authorization Form (Word Doc)
Information and Authorization Form (PDF)
BENEFITS TO DONORS
Endows annual giving, provides professionally managed support for smaller organizations, and will always support the cause even if an organization closes its doors.
MINIMUM
$25,000
FUND TYPE
DESCRIPTION
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
BENEFITS TO DONORS
Organizations can create an endowment fund with professional management and low fees.
MINIMUM
$50,000
FUND TYPE
Charitable Checking AccountSM
DESCRIPTION
A fund that offers convenient current giving. The donor recommends grants. Fund principal is guaranteed.

Fillable Information and Authorization Form (Word Doc)
Information and Authorization Form (PDF)
BENEFITS TO DONORS
Allows donors to make contributions to the fund as needed, then request grants to nonprofit organizations of their choosing.
MINIMUM
$10,000

All invested funds may gain or lose value.