Advised Funds – A Personal Approach to Giving
An advised fund is the perfect vehicle to be an active and engaged donor, allowing you to take advantage of the enhanced financial management and community knowledge of the Community Foundation. Whether you’re an inquiring new donor, a seasoned philanthropist or seeking ways to maximize the impact of your giving, we can help.
Reasons to Choose an Advised Fund
- You play an active, personal role in your charitable giving.
- You make grants to your favorite charities anywhere in the world.
- You learn about the needs and strengths of our communities.
- You obtain immediate tax benefits.
- You avoid the cost and time required to create a private foundation.
- You can involve family members in the rewards of giving.
- You exchange philanthropic values with other donors.
- You may give anonymously.
- You partner with us to make a difference for those in need.
- You benefit from our solid asset management and investment expertise.
A Private Foundation Alternative
If you are seeking a simpler alternative to a private foundation, creating a fund with the Community Foundation provides the benefit of effective grantmaking without the administrative, investment, research and reporting responsibilities and costs of a private foundation.
Community Foundation Sonoma County offers two types of advised funds:
Donor-Advised Funds
A donor-advised fund is created with a minimum gift of $10,000. You reap immediate tax benefits and may recommend grants to nonprofits over time. Because we handle your fund administration, you can focus on your giving. A second generation of donor advisors (typically your children or grandchildren) may be appointed to carry on your family’s philanthropy, avoiding the expense and administrative demands of a family foundation. Donor advisors also benefit from our many ways to get more involved in relevant community issues, opportunities to partner with us in grantmaking and tools to maximize your giving.
Committee-Advised Funds
Like a donor-advised fund, a committee-advised fund can also be created to support a specific issue or project. A committee of three to seven members may be appointed to advise on grants.
Grants from Advised Funds
Grants from donor-advised funds are a significant source of support to vital nonprofit programs in Sonoma County and beyond. As an advisor, you have 24-hour access to our online service Donor Central, where you can make grants at anytime. For a printed option, the Donor-Advised Recommendation Form is all you need.
Note: All grants are approved or designated for approval by the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors. Some guidelines apply; all grants made must be for charitable purposes and align with the purpose of the fund when it was established. Grants may not be made to pay dues for membership in an organization, to satisfy personal pledges or obligations made by the donor or for any purpose from which the donor will receive some benefit.
Please contact J Mullineaux at 707.303.9620
Greg Young, a Community Foundation donor advisor, talks of the rewards of supporting a nonprofit organization with a local branch in Sebastopol. "I belong to Bread for the Journey because I want to support local start-up organizations that need a little boost to achieve their vision. That boost is often money, but sometimes it's simply asking the right question like, 'What is a business plan and why do you need one?' Watching these seeds sprout is even more rewarding than I had dreamed; meeting people who have the passion and knowledge to make our community a better place is an amazing experience. It fills me with hope for the future... and joy."
Helen McStravick’s commitment to caring for those in need spans her lifetime and continues today through her donor-advised fund with the Community Foundation Sonoma County. After Harry’s death in 2001, Helen has continued to make grants from their donor-advised fund to support the mentally ill homeless population in Sonoma County, and she will leave the remainder of her estate to do the same. It’s comforting as she grows older, “a gift for me,” she says, and a way of honoring her husband’s wishes and extending her reach in the community. More…