Donors often find that it is much easier to establish a fund with the Community Foundation than to form their own foundation. We provide a mix of accounting and investment services, help connect you to local nonprofits and community needs, and free you to focus on making the biggest impact with your limited funds. Different people and families think about giving differently, so the Community Foundation has several ways for making a gift or establishing a fund–you can find the giving tool that best suits your efforts.
Charitable Giving Fund (Donor-Advised Fund)
Establishing a Charitable Giving Fund (donor-advised fund) allows the donor active participation in the grant-making process by periodically recommending the use of their gift. The Community Foundation of Central Missouri (CFCM) verifies that recommendations are to a qualified public charity, and processes all the paperwork related to the gift. Grant awards are issued in the name of the fund (or anonymously), and contributions to the fund qualify for income tax deduction in the year they are made.
- Flexible
- Multi-generational giving
- Active relationship building with non-profits
- Provides direct support to non-profits
- Active involvement with donors
Field of Interest Fund
The donor instructs the Community Foundation of Central Missouri (CFCM) to use the available grant dollars in a specific program area, such as education, health, the arts, environment, geographical area, etc., rather than restricting money to one organization. CFCM or a fund advisory committee determines the recipients. Field of Interest funds are flexible so that the changing needs of community interest areas are met.
- Matches donor granting with donor interests
- Provides flexibility to offer grants for future organizations and programs
- Funds a variety of organizations in a particular field
- Facilitates collaboration among organizations and the community
Designated Fund
With a Designated Fund, a donor instructs the Community Foundation of Central Missouri (CFCM) to pay available grant dollars to one or more specifically named charitable organizations, usually in perpetuity. Donations are sent in the name of the designated fund at specified intervals. CFCM monitors the use of donations to be sure the donor’s intent is followed.
- Allows for guidance during and after lifetime
- Donor identifies with chosen non-profits
- Original gift goes farther
- Financial security with ongoing support
- Direct connection to donors forever
- Non-competitive fund
Scholarship Fund
With a Scholarship Fund, donors invest in the community’s future and help deserving students, from preschool to post graduate, achieve their dreams. These funds provide support for educational opportunities and training. Donors can specify the eligibility criteria for the recipients.
- Allows donors to recognize outstanding students
- Establishes a memorial to loved ones
- Sets an example for younger generations
- Provides needed funds for educational pursuits
- Recognizes students and institutions
- Exposes the recipient to philanthropy
Unrestricted Fund
The donor allows the Community Foundation Board of Directors the discretion to use available grant dollars for a broad range of community issues. This type of fund provides an opportunity and flexibility for the Community Foundation to respond to changing and unexpected community needs that are often not anticipated at the time a gift is made.
- Donors become charitable visionaries transforming the community
- Provides flexibility to change as the community changes
- Connects donors to the community forever
- Provides ongoing financial resources
- Changing community needs will be met in perpetuity
- Addresses issues not supported by restricted funds