Why should I encourage my clients to establish a fund at the Community Foundation?
Developing a charitable plan that takes into account your client’s financial and charitable needs is no small task. As a professional advisor, the opportunity to help your clients achieve their philanthropic goals is both a privilege and a challenge. The Community Foundation wants to be a resource for you, as well as a philanthropic partner for your clients. A full understanding of charitable giving options, which can offer specific tax benefits, can help your clients achieve their financial, personal or business goals. The Community Foundation has an outstanding reputation for integrity and service to donors, and has developed unique resources for you to use in helping donors craft their charitable giving plans.
Why not establish a private foundation?
There are many practical reasons why establishing a charitable fund at the Community Foundation might be better than creating a private foundation. Our staff is pleased to provide additional information regarding the benefits of establishing a charitable fund rather than a private foundation. Click here to learn more.
What type of Community Foundation fund can my client establish?
The Community Foundation offers several types of funds to help your client accomplish their charitable goals. Staff members are available to discuss these options with you and help your client select one or more funds that best suit their philanthropic needs.
How do I help my client establish a fund?
It is easy to establish a fund at the Community Foundation. Your clients can simply decide which type of fund best meets their interests and needs, determine their charitable priorities, select a name for the fund, and make an establishing gift. The Community Foundation can typically prepare and complete the written Fund Agreement in less than one hour. (Sample fund agreements can be downloaded from the Establish a Fund page.)
How much money does my client need to establish a fund?
All funds must be established with a minimum gift, with the amount determined by the type of fund. There is no maximum limit, and no set-up fee.
Does the Community Foundation charge my client a fee to maintain the fund?
Each fund at the Foundation shares in the total administrative costs of the Foundation. The Foundation charges a very low annual administrative fee ranging from 1% to 2%, depending on the type of fund established. Our current fee schedule is located on our Financials and Policies page, and our staff can answer any questions you may have.
Can my client advise how the fund will be invested?
Yes! The Community Foundation offers different investment pools, and donors may advise that the fund be invested in a way that best aligns with their needs and interests. Our staff is happy to review the investment options with you, and assist your client as requested.
The Balanced Pool: Provides long-term growth of capital and generation of income by investing in a diversified mix of domestic and foreign equities and fixed income securities. This pool is appropriate for donors who seek moderate growth paired with stability.
The Growth Pool: Provides long-term growth of capital with the production of income being secondary. This pool is appropriate for donors seeking capital appreciation who have a higher tolerance for volatility.
What kind of assets may my client use to open a fund?
Funds may be established with many different types of gifts — cash, securities traded on major exchanges, closely held stock, mutual fund shares, real estate, bequests, interests in limited partnerships, and more! The Community Foundation staff is experienced at evaluating unusual assets and can accommodate them for charitable purposes.
My client needs to set up a fund quickly. How long does it take?
Charitable giving should warm a donor’s heart, not burden him with tax complications and ongoing administrative details. Once your clients decide on the type of fund they would like to establish, our staff can set it up with a simple governing document that requires less than an hour to prepare and complete.
May my client select the name of the fund?
Absolutely. Your clients may use their own names, the names of individuals to be honored or memorialized, or the name of a business. Some donors select a more general name to retain anonymity.
Can you come to my office to meet with my client or to make a presentation about the Community Foundation for my colleagues?
A member of our staff would be happy to meet with you. Please call the Community Foundation at (970) 224-3462 to schedule a time that works best for you and your client.
Can you provide me with language for a will or for an inter vivos gift?
When preparing a will or an inter vivos gift, please refer to the fund as follows: “The Community Foundation of Northern Colorado [ insert fund name ].” Our staff would be happy to customize the language for specific funds.