Stories

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. If...

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. Opened 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...

Counting pennies: How to counsel frugal yet charitable clients

Over the years, you've no doubt experienced a wide range of what clients perceive as wealthy. You've likely also observed that clients have different assumptions about what it takes to be a "philanthropist." The interplay between a client's perception of...

Philanthropy is not one-size-fits-all

Charitable giving traditions are a big part of many peoples' lives. The ways philanthropic values translate into action and behavior, however, vary widely from person to person. And that's a good thing! When you align your charitable giving activities with...

Bath Community Fund's Impact: Crown Point Ecology Center

Bath Community Fund has proudly supported Crown Point Ecology Center for many years. From a cob wood-fired oven and workshops to an outdoor pavilion and donation garden, visitors can see projects that Bath Community Fund helped to fund just about anywhere on...

A Common Theme

Stay Connected