As part of the wealth planning process, you'll be helping your client decide how much they want to and are able to give. 

Finding the right vehicle

You will then need to help your client to determine the right giving vehicle – their own charitable trust, a fund at a community foundation, or some other structure.

For the pros and cons of a trust as compared to a Donor Advised Fund with a community foundation (this is most popular fund option) please click here >>

Should your client decide on having their own charitable trust, community foundations are able to help with the practicalities of grant distribution and reporting.  This can be done on a consulting basis or by establishing a flow-through donor fund with the community foundation.

Easy to use

Establishing a fund at a community foundation is quick and easy. When a donor wanted to establish a £10 million fund with Leeds Community Foundation, the fund was up and running within seven days.

Funds are established for clients with existing charitable trusts who struggle to give the money away, or for clients who need a structure for their giving.

First step

The first step is for your client to meet with their local community foundation to discuss what your client wants to achieve. The foundation will guide them through a variety of options, depending on whether they have a lump sum immediately available or plan to build an endowed fund over a longer period.

Once their fund is up and running, your client can choose how much involvement they want. But hands-on or hands-off, you can rely on community foundations' in-depth knowledge to ensure the gift goes to organisations and projects whose work has been thoroughly assessed for its value to the community.

With the community foundation, you can then help your client decide on:

1. Fund type >>
2. How to build a fund – gift types >>
3. If there are specific investment requirements >>

You will also want to find out about community foundation fees >> 

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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.