Stay involved in the good works that your gifts make possible.
Opening a Donor Advised Fund lets you make a gift to your community foundation, then remain actively involved in recommending uses of your gift. If you desire, our professional program staff can help, suggesting ongoing uses for the fund to help you target the issues about which you care most. Grant awards are issued to charities in your fund's name (or anonymously if you wish). It’s a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving. Many folks have heard of donor advised funds in recent years with the charitable gift funds associated with major commercial financial institutions --- it's important to know that Our Community's Foundation has offered such funds since 1982 --- almost a decade before the earliest of the commercial gift funds began.
Donor Advised Funds are convenient, flexible tools for individuals, families, businesses, or groups who wish to stay personally involved in recommending the grants made possible by their gifts. If you have a range of community interests, you may find that a Donor Advised Fund is an ideal vehicle for fulfilling your charitable wishes. Donor Advised Funds are generally much less costly and far easier to administer than other forms of philanthropic giving (such as family or corporate foundations).
Your gift can be combined with others to increase its impact, and you can add to the fund you establish at any time, receiving tax benefits with each new gift. You can establish a fund today and make grant recommendations now or in the future. And if you endow your gift, it becomes a permanent community funding resource. A Donor Advised Fund can usually be set-up same day; it's easy to do good!
Donor Advised Funds Make Particularly Good Sense for Certain Opportunities
Year-end tax planning: Just earned a large bonus, but no time to decide on the most deserving charities? Establish a Donor Advised Fund for an immediate tax deduction, and stay involved in your gift for years to come.
Help your accountant: Tired of trying to find all your receipts at year-end for your accountant? Simplify your recordkeeping by making one annual gift to your Donor Advised Fund, obtaining your deduction at the time the gift is made, then letting the Foundation keep track of the grants that you recommend from the Fund.
Simple alternative to private foundations: Thinking about establishing a private foundation, but looking for a better, simpler way? Or, frustrated with ongoing management of a private foundation? Establish a Donor Advised Fund and stay personally involved with the distribution of gift dollars but leave the administration to the Foundation. Gain the community foundation's grant expertise for community knowledge and greater impact.Strategic giving: Passionate about meeting a specific community need and want to make a meaningful gift? Community foundation uses expertise in local need to recommend ways to make the greatest impact.
Sale of a business: Own highly appreciated stock in a company that is about to be acquired? Structure a charitable gift of stock before the company is sold to reduce capital gains and increase charitable deductions. Establish a Donor Advised Fund so a once-in-a-lifetime event can help you do good, forever.
Closely held stock: Personal net worth tied up in a closely held company, but want to give back? Donate a portion of company stock to the community foundation; company may buy it back for fair market value. Establish a Donor Advised Fund or planned gift; you are eligible for a tax deduction at the fair market value of appreciated stock (less any planned gift value).
Preserving an estate: Estate planning identifies significant taxes going to the IRS, but want to keep tax dollars local? Reduce your taxable estate through charitable bequest or other planned gift. Create a personal legacy in your community that stays true to your charitable intent forever.
There is so much more we’d like you to know. For more information and ideas on ways to integrate your financial planning with charitable giving, we suggest that you consult your personal professional financial advisor or contact our Executive Director at director@pacfwv.com or 304.428.4438 (toll free 1.866.428.4438).