Types of Funds

We consider a fund fully “endowed” once it reaches $10,000 ($25,000 for a scholarship fund).  However, many of our philanthropists start a new fund by creating an Acorn Fund, building to the endowed level over a five-year period.  An initial gift of $2,000 or more is necessary to “seed” any of our funds. And, grantmaking can begin immediately once your Acorn fund is seeded with our “pass through” grants system. Visit our Library and Documents page for sample fund agreements.

A donor advised fund allows you to enjoy ongoing involvement in grant distributions from your fund.  You bring specific grant recommendations to the Community Foundation for consideration.  Donor advised funds closely mirror private family foundations, with significant tax and administrative advantages. Visit our Library and Documents page for Sample Fund Agreements.

When you establish a General fund, you leave decisions about the use of your gift to the Community Foundation; trusting the Community Foundation’s knowledge and reach within the community to determine what needs are most pressing from year to year. Visit our Library and Documents page for Sample Fund Agreements.

We work with area donors to create a causeway for collective grantmaking based on the vision and values of the group.  A portion of each gift is dedicated to building endowment as well as immediate grantmaking.  Visit our Library and Documents page for Sample Fund Agreements.

Name a specific charity, or charities, to benefit from your grantmaking.  Should a designated organization cease to exist, the Community Foundation has the responsibility and authority to reallocate grants to another agency that most closely reflects your original vision. Visit our Library and Documents page for Sample Fund Agreements.

Want to target an issue of need rather than a specific charity? You define the “area of interest” and the Community Foundation distributes the funds based on your targeted interest plan. Visit our Library and Documents page for Sample Fund Agreements.

Charities often wish to create long-term endowments that will benefit their mission and purpose.  The Community Foundation provides an excellent vehicle to ensure endowment gifts are carefully and diversely invested and managed.  Visit our Library and Documents page for Sample Fund Agreements.

Dedicate a fund’s purpose entirely to helping students study and advance their education.  The Community Foundation works with community volunteers to interview students and make award recommendations, or, can work with you to form your own selection committee.  Visit our Library and Documents page for Sample Fund Agreements.

A shell agreement is easy, simple, and non-binding paperwork that ties a future planned gift from your estate or other testamentary gifts with your personal philanthropic vision. The agreement makes it clear to the Community Foundation how you want a future gift to be used, and can be easily revised at any time until the gift is realized. While not in any way required, the Community Foundation staff frequently works with your professional advisors to complete a shell agreement.  Visit our Library and Documents page for Sample Fund Agreements.

Ready to get started? Use the form below, call (703) 779-3505 or email us