Six Great Giving Options
When your clients want to make a meaningful difference and remain actively engaged in their philanthropy, they can establish a charitable fund with us and support their favorite causes close to home and anywhere in the world
We listen to their charitable giving desires, help them create a giving plan, introduce them to local nonprofits that match their desires and values, advise them about new, local giving opportunities that match their interests and invite them to briefings and events.
Of course, we handle all paperwork and reporting, and oversee professional asset investment management.
Your clients can choose from six different types of charitable funds.
Donor, Family or Corporate Advised Fund
A Donor, Family or Corporate Advised fund makes it easy for your client to actively participate in their charitable giving. Your client recommends grants from the fund they’ve established to qualifying public charities in the United States. Unlike a private foundation, there’s no annual payout requirement and your client can give anonymously. Your client gains access to our knowledge about community issues and local nonprofits, and our philanthropic expertise. Your client can name advisors and successive advisors. We handle all of the paperwork and reporting. Corporate Advised funds can be structured to meet the charitable and the employee-involvement goals of your client's company.
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Field of Interest Fund
A Field of Interest fund lets your client pool their charitable contributions with other like-minded donors to collectively support their favorite Fairfield County cause or issue. Your client can give to any existing Field of Interest fund or establish a new fund. The Community Foundation makes grants in perpetuity to nonprofits that serve your client's field of interest.
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Discretionary fund
A Discretionary fund ensures that your client's charitable giving addresses the most pressing needs in Fairfield County, even as those needs change over time. It’s an ideal way to create a permanent and responsive legacy. Your client charges the Community Foundation’s staff and Board of Directors to identify and tackle critical issues today and for generations to come. The Community Foundation depends on Discretionary funds to address changing needs, support regional initiatives, and to help make the communities of Fairfield County healthy, vibrant and supportive to all.
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Designated fund
A Designated fund lets your client support a specific nonprofit organization in perpetuity. Your client may name one or more organizations to receive annual grants from their fund. If any of your client's designated organizations dissolves or changes its purpose, the Community Foundation ensures their original charitable objectives are continued.
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Organization Endowment fund
An Organization Endowment fund creates a stable financial future for a nonprofit organization. When a nonprofit (or benefactor) establishes a fund, the fund is stewarded for the organization’s long term needs, and donors are assured assets are held separately from its operating fund. The Community Foundation handles all administrative responsibilities, freeing the nonprofit to pursue its charitable mission.
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Scholarship fund
Scholarship funds help students advance their education. Applicants are evaluated by the criteria of your client's choice. A scholarship can memorialize a loved one or honor a special person.
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To learn more about which giving option is right for you, please contact Juanita T. James, President & CEO, at 203.750.3200. | 
