• Why Give
  • Donor Story - Doug and Mary Sanders
  • Donor Story - Laurie Wermter
  • Donor Story - Cathy and Dan Mundt, Sr.
  • Donor Story - Sue and Dan Riley
  • Donor Story - Phil and Babs Strom
• How to give
  • Getting Started
  • What To Give
• Giving Now
  • Contribute To An Existing Fund
  • Create A Fund
• Giving Later
  • Legacy Circle
    • Legacy Circle Members
  • President's Circle
    • President's Circle Members
• Fund Options
  • Benefits of an Organizational Endowment
• Professional Advisors
  • Advisor Resources
  • Gift Options
  • FAQs
• Donor Resources

Create A Fund

Creating a fund is an easy way to establish a permanent, personalized, named fund that achieves a donor’s philanthropic goals. Funds can be created by individuals, corporations, financial institutions, charitable organizations, probate courts, and private foundations.  Funds can make grants to qualified nonprofit organizations, public charities or provide scholarships. Once established, the Community Foundation administers all aspects of the fund – accounting, auditing, reporting, investing, grants administration and evaluation, legal and tax compliance – at a significantly lower cost than if a donor established a private foundation. The minimum amount required for most types of funds is $25,000.

How do I create a fund?

• Decide when to Give:  Donors can create their fund now or later based on how giving fits into their charitable goals.
• Decide what to give:  Almost any kind of asset can be used to start your fund, such as cash, publicly traded securities, closely held stock, interests in limited partnerships, real estate, life insurance, etc.
• Consult with Financial or Legal Advisors:  Because a donor’s professional advisor is most familiar with one’s personal and financial circumstances, he or she can provide the legal and tax guidance needed to ensure the donor receives the maximum benefits of giving while maintaining future financial security.
• Choose a name:  Funds are generally named for the donor, the donor’s family, or as an honor or memorial to someone special. Or, if a donor prefers anonymity, they may choose a generic name, or perhaps one that reflects the fund’s charitable purposes. 
• Choose a Type of Fund:  We offer a variety of funds to meet our donors’ philanthropic needs.  Our staff will help you decide which type of fund best matches your interests. 
• Sign a Fund Agreement:  The final step in creating an agreement is signing an agreement. Once assets are received and approved by the Board of Trustees, the fund is established. First disbursements from a fund usually begin one year later.