Giving

Four County Community Foundation is committed to serving the current and emerging needs of our local communities.  The Foundation brings together human and financial resources to support progressive ideas in education, health, and community.  We provide a secure, flexible vehicle for individuals, families, foundations, and organizations to positively impact the quality of life in our community.

Gifts of any size are always welcome and appreciated!  You can give a gift online or by mail.  Continue reading here to learn about the many ways you can support your community.

Four County Community Foundation’s Gift Acceptance Policy is available upon request.

Keep reading to learn more about your giving options, or contact our Executive Director, Kathy Dickens.

 

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Privacy

Four County Community Foundation maintains the highest level of privacy concerning our donors’ contact and fund information.

All contact information is used for internal purposes only and never published. Contact information required by the IRS is not for public inspection.

Fund and donor names are published in Foundation communication materials and media, unless a donor chooses to remain unlisted.

Four County Community Foundation does not sell, trade, or share its donor list with any organization.

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Give a one-time gift today

Gifts of any size are always welcome.  You may mail a check or give a gift online.  You may give to a specific fund or to the area of greatest need.

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Plan a gift for later

If you’d like to support your community after your lifetime or in a way that aligns with your financial and estate planning goals, a planned gift may be right for you.

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Establish a fund

Four County Community Foundation currently manages 160 charitable funds. We can help you establish your own fund to make a real and lasting impact in your community.

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More Giving Options

With over 140 different funds, your gift to Four County Community Foundation can be compounded and maximized with the gifts of other donors who share your values and beliefs. You can also establish a new charitable fund to meet your philanthropic goals.

 

Give a one-time gift today

  • Cash, check or online donation
  • Stocks and Other Securities – You can transfer stocks, bonds, real estate, or personal property to the Foundation. Your gift qualifies for maximum charitable benefit under state and federal law.
  • Retirement assets – A gift to the Foundation may be considered a Qualified Charitable Distribution
  • Life Insurance
  • Donor Advised Fund – A Donor Advised Fund functions as a conduit. You make your contribution and claim your tax deduction now, then distribute money out to specific nonprofits over years or decades while your charitable dollars are invested and growing tax free. These funds, established through Four County Community Foundation, allow donors and their families to participate in the research, selection, and awarding of grant dollars. Donors are free to give to any charitable cause, local or not, through a Donor Advised Fund.

    A Donor Advised Fund can effectively function as a family foundation while offering much of the flexibility and appeal of a private foundation – without many of the regulations, requirements and overhead expenses. Donor Advised Funds are among the fastest growing charitable vehicles in personal philanthropy.

 

 Plan a gift for later

Four County Community Foundation can work with you to reduce your taxable estate through a charitable bequest or other planned gift. Your gift will create a legacy of caring in the community that stays true to your charitable intent forever.

  • Planned Gift (Bequest) – You can designate a gift or portion of your estate to your Community Foundation, and in some cases receive a substantial reduction in federal gift and estate taxes.
  • Beneficiary Designation – You may wish to consider naming Four County Community Foundation as the beneficiary of your IRA or life insurance policy.
  • Charitable Remainder Trust – Giving through a Charitable Remainder Trust allows you to receive income for the rest of your life, knowing that whatever remains will benefit your community.
  • Charitable Lead Trust – A Charitable Lead Trust helps you build a charitable fund with the Foundation during the trust’s term. When the trust terminates, the remaining assets are transferred to you or your heirs, often with significant transfer-tax savings.

 Learn More About Giving

Establish an endowed fund

Four County Community Foundation gives every donor a unique giving experience, tailored to suit his or her situation and objectives.  We will also work with your professional advisor or attorney to make your charitable goals a reality, during your lifetime or as a bequest.  Gifts of cash, stocks, bonds, real estate, or other assets can be given to our Foundation.  Most charitable gifts to the Foundation are eligible for federal tax deductions.

You can help to improve the quality of life in our community by establishing your own endowed fund.  Anyone can make a real and lasting difference by starting a new fund or adding to an existing fund at Four County Community Foundation.  Almost anything of value can be considered as a contribution to the Foundation, and unlike establishing a private trust, there is no cost associated with creating a fund.

What is an endowed fund?

Almost all of the funds at Four County Community Foundation are endowed.  This means that the principal amount of the fund (usually the gifts received from the donor) is generally considered restricted and is intended to last forever.

Grants are made from available earnings and/or appreciation based on investment returns and the Foundation’s Spending Policy.  Grants are generally not made by dipping into the general principal of the fund, except in unusual or extraordinary circumstances as determined by the Foundation, or unless the donor gives explicit permission to do so.

How do I start an endowed fund?

A gift may be made, or a fund established with a minimum of legal complexity, report making, and other entanglements.  They can be established in your name, or in the name of your family, your organization, or anyone you wish to honor.  To become a donor, you can transfer your gift of stocks, bonds, real estate, cash, or other assets to the Foundation with a letter stating the nature and intent of the contribution.  Pledges of up to five years may also be used to create a fund.  As in any significant financial decision, you should review your plans with your attorney or tax advisor.

Fund Development Worksheet

 

Types of funds

Community Priorities (Unrestricted) Funds

Endowing an unrestricted fund allows a donor to have the greatest possible impact by giving the Foundation flexibility in responding to the ever-changing needs throughout the communities we serve. These are the most highly recommended funds.        

Donor Advised Funds

A donor advised fund allows donors to participate in the selection of grant recipients by advising the Foundation during the selection process.  This is the fastest growing, and perhaps the most popular type of fund because it allows a donor and his or her family to also participate in community philanthropy.  

Designated Funds and Agency Funds

A designated fund provides long-term, annual support to one or more charitable organizations chosen by the donor at the time the fund was created.  All available grant funds are then awarded to those selected organizations.  An agency fund may be established by any nonprofit organization looking to invest in its future.  Contact the Foundation staff for details.

Field of Interest Funds

A field of interest fund allows a donor to select a particular area of emphasis, such as education, seniors, health, or recreation.  Available grant dollars from that fund are used to address the most pressing issues within that field of interest.

Scholarship Funds

Scholarship funds may be used to further education of graduates of a particular high school, students in a specified field of study, or those enrolled at a chosen institution.

View our funds

Questions?

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