Ease and flexibility when establishing a fund
A fund with a community foundation is easy to set up and much quicker than establishing a family trust or private foundation. Funds at community foundations require a simple fund agreement that can be completed in one meeting. All funds are professionally managed. Donors can recommend a cause or area they wish to support or a specific charity. Some donors choose to give to the general benefit of the community. Even the smallest donation is welcome.

Donor Advised Funds and trusts compared ...

Hassle-free administration
Community foundations are efficient because they pool funds for investment and donors receive all the benefits of their own trust without the burden of management. The community foundation takes care of legal and tax requirements, as well as grant administration cheque writing, tracking recipients and keeping records.

Full service philanthropy and customised grant portfolio development
Community foundations work with each client to explore their personal styles of giving and investment considerations. Foundations recognise that not all clients want a very hands-on approach to philanthropy; therefore the client can choose to work with the foundation as little or as much as they want when deciding on groups to fund. For those clients interested in full service philanthropy, community foundations are able to meet those needs.

From the very first meeting, the foundation helps clients think through what they want to change in their local community and how they might go about doing this. Together, they set priorities and the foundation then identifies groups and projects that fit within those criteria. The donor can go on site visits and meet groups before deciding whether or not to fund them. Over time, clients go on journeys as they work with the foundation and learn more about local organisations and their own personal preferences.

Learn more about exploring personal styles of giving and investment considerations

Accountability
Community foundations have clear grantmaking policies with thorough assessments to ensure accountability and transparency. Donors can go on site visits to see the organisation at work and they receive monitoring and reporting on giving. All community foundations are governed by active boards of trustees who know their community well and are held accountable for the legal and fiscal responsibilities of the foundation.

Long lasting impact
Community foundations are here to stay. By building substantial endowment funds, community foundations tackle today s priorities and can also meet the needs of future generations. If you are thinking of leaving a legacy gift to your local community, giving through a community foundation means your charitable wishes are honoured for generations to come.

Networking opportunities
Community foundations offer networking opportunities for donors through foundation events and site visits to local charities or community groups. For those donors wishing to meet other donors with similar interests, the foundation can connect these donors and explore ideas for joint giving.

Read more about community foundations

Find your local community foundation

For more information about how CFN and its members can partner with you to serve your clients, please contact Clare Brooks, Director of Philanthropy or phone +44 20 7713 9326.