Establish and Name a Charitable Fund

When you want to actively participate in your charitable giving, a donor advised fund is ideal.

You experience the joys of philanthropy without the drudgery of paperwork and reporting. You can give to any qualified public charity to benefit those in the community, Fairfield County, other states, or even other countries.

Your giving becomes meaningful, effective and easy.

Benefits of a Donor Advised Fund

By forming a donor advised fund, you set in motion a strategic philanthropic vision tied to your individual charitable goals.

Among the benefits of a donor advised fund are:

1. You can name your fund
2. You receive immediate tax benefits, even if you wait to recommend grants from the fund you establish.
3. You, or a fund advisor you designate, are involved with the fund. You make recommendations for grant distributions, and you can consult with our staff to learn about community needs that match your interests.
4. If you establish your fund with $1 million or more, you may elect to designate a specific money manager, contingent upon the Foundation's approval of that manager and investment strategy.
5. You are freed from fiscal management and paperwork. We handle all of the administrative burdens. including oversight, due diligence, record keeping and reporting.
6. You may give anonymously.
7. You can engage your children and grandchildren, and name them as advisors and successors to the fund.
   
   

It's Easy to Begin

• Establish your donor advised fund with an irrevocable, tax-deductible contribution of $25,000 or more in cash or publicly traded securities.
• You can make grant recommendations of $500 or more at any time to any qualified charity. We handle all transaction details.
• You can add to your account with new contributions at any time.
  
  

Other Fund Options

Along with donor advised funds, you have the option to create a number of types of funds designed to meet any charitable goal and match any giving strategy.

You can create a Field of Interest Fund to provide perpetual support to a specific area of need. Your legacy is continued with the Foundation's Board ensuring grants from this fund continue to match your original purpose.

Opening a Discretionary Fund provides the flexibility needed to adjust grantmaking priorities over time. As the areas of greatest need shift, the Foundation helps direct your giving where it is needed most.

A Designated Fund is a great way to provide support to a specific nonprofit organization now and in the future. If the organization ceases operations, the Foundation's Board helps locate a similar agency working in your areas of interest.

Establishing a Scholarship Fund allows you to help Fairfield County's brightest minds achieve their college dreams. Your fund can be focused on a specific school or town, geared towards helping students planning a particular career path, or be open to all. You set the criteria, we handle the advertising, application processing and administrative tasks.

Contact Us to Get Started

To learn more about your giving options, contact Juanita T. James, President & CEO, at 203.750.3200.