Stories

Donor-advised funds: Your new best friend?

A donor-advised fund is one of many types of funds that an individual, family, or business can establish with the community foundation. You're likely more aware of donor-advised funds than other types of funds because they are frequently covered in financial...

Speed round: Five fast FAQs about endowments

The word "endowment" can be intimidating, even for the most seasoned fundraising and planned giving professionals–and certainly for donors. But it doesn't have to be that way. "Endowment" is such an important concept to secure your organization's future,...

Friends and family: Endowment-building thrives on relationships

"You can't make old friends" isn't just the title of an album; it's an important reminder that long-term relationships are the key to successful endowment building. That's common sense, of course, but sometimes it's hard to put this principle into action....

Fundraising: Stack the stats in your favor

By the time summer rolls around, reflecting on what happened last year may feel like cognitive whiplash. That's not the case, though, with the statistics from the annual Giving USA report that are released every June for the prior year. You're likely aware...

Customized services, in-house experts and family philanthropy: The benefits of working with a community foundation

If you've already established a donor-advised fund at the community foundation, you can understand why it's become such a popular tool to organize your family's giving and serve as a springboard for so many other ways to make a difference in our region. ...

Five FAQs to help you establish an endowment

If you've served on a nonprofit's board of directors, you are no doubt familiar with the concept of an endowment. Many charities establish endowment funds and reserve funds at the community foundation to help ensure that their missions stay strong during...

Estate planning: Leave a legacy for your children and your community

As you contemplate your legacy and adjust your estate plan over the years, it's natural to focus on your children and family as the primary beneficiaries in your will and trust. If you're like an increasing number of charitably minded individuals, though, you...

Nonprofit spotlight: Hope United

Hope United operates a 7,500-square-foot Recovery Community Organization called Tyler's Redemption Place, located in Springfield. Opening in spring 2023, Tyler's Redemption Place offers peer-based recovery support, promoting recovery and wellness with a...

Gifts of real estate: Watch every step

We're hearing from more and more attorneys, accountants and financial advisors that your clients are expressing interest in giving real estate to charity. You're certainly aware that gifts of real estate to a fund at the community foundation, just like gifts...

Less can be more: Charitable giving helps parents pass wealth to children

How much is too much? That's a question many parents ask as they structure lifetime gifts and bequests to children in their financial and estate plans. Wealthy clients are sometimes concerned that leaving millions of dollars, or even hundreds of thousands, to...

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