|
When your clients want to make a difference in their own backyards
and wherever else their hearts lie, and they want to be strategic with
their giving, contact us. We make their philanthropy meaningful,
effective and easy.
They can give back by establishing and naming a fund at the Foundation,
giving to an existing fund that matches their charitable passions, or
supporting any of our countywide initiatives.
When your clients already have a charitable passion, we suggest
exemplary nonprofit organizations in any or all of Fairfield County's
23 cities and towns. If they don't have a passion, we help them target
their philanthropy to support values important to them.
They can contribute cash, securities, IRAs, life insurance, mutual
shares, closely held stock, real estate or other tangible property.
Gifts can be made or added to during or after their lifetimes, by will
or through a trust arrangement. All contributions qualify for maximum
tax benefits.
Unlike a private foundation, your clients are freed from drafting
documents, administrative chores and reporting requirements. They
receive quarterly fund reports. Their contributions are professionally
managed and overseen by our Investment Committee and Board of Directors.
Types of Funds
The Foundation offers six fund types that allow your clients to give
back according to their philanthropic goals and priorities. They can
establish or contribute to one fund or any combination of funds. In
addition, clients can support our countywide initiatives with a
charitable gift.
All of our giving vehicles enjoy maximum tax advantages and many give
your client considerable input. Establishing a fund or contributing to
an existing fund is easy. At any step along the way, we are here to
help you and your clients. Contact Linda Franciscovich, Vice President of Development and Philanthropic Services, at 203.750.3200.
Donor, Family and Corporate Advised Funds
These funds allow maximum participation in grantmaking. They are
especially appealing to clients who want to engage children,
grandchildren or other family members in their philanthropy. Your
clients can establish and name a fund, then recommend grants to any
nonprofit organization in the country that's recognized under Section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Depending on your clients'
level of engagement and desire to make a difference close to home, they
can access our knowledge and expertise for guidance about regional
issues and the 2,423 nonprofits in Fairfield County. Fundholders can
name family members to serve as advisors.
Field of Interest Funds
These funds unite clients with other like-minded philanthropists to
collectively support local and regional causes or issues. Clients can
give to an existing fund or establish and name their own fund. The
Foundation makes grants to nonprofits that serve each field of interest.
Discretionary Funds
These funds are ideal for clients who want to make a difference in
their own backyard, and realize the needs of Fairfield County will
change over time. They want their philanthropy to respond to those
changes for generations to come. Discretionary funds give the
Foundation the greatest flexibility to meet our region's emerging needs
over the years. Clients can give to any existing Discretionary fund
during or after their lifetimes. They charges our Board of Directors
and Program staff to identify and address critical community and
regional needs with the fund in perpetuity. Many professional advisors
tell us that clients favor Discretionary funds for bequests.
Designated Funds
These funds are ideal when clients want to support a specific
organization. They can name one or more organizations in their fund.
The Foundation monitors these grants to ensure your clients' original
objectives are fulfilled.
Organization Endowment Funds
These funds provide a nonprofit organization with income in
perpetuity. A client can establish an Organization Endowment fund or
make an gift to an organization's existing fund. The fund can be added
to at any time. Fund assets are invested separately from the
organization's operating funds. We handle all administrative and
investment responsibilities, freeing the organization to pursue its
charitable mission.
Scholarship Funds
These funds support educational advancement
of qualified students using criteria of your choice. These funds often
memorialize a loved one or honor a special person.
Support Our Countywide Initiatives
Clients can contribute to any existing funds that support the
Fairfield County Community Foundation's countywide initiatives,
including increasing affordable housing, closing the achievement gap in
our urban public schools, helping immigrants assimilate into our
communities, and helping low-income working women achieve economic
security.
To learn more, contact Linda Franciscovich, Vice President of Development and Philanthropic Services, at 203.750.3200.
| 
How much is enough to leave my heirs? 
