If you’re stepping into retirement, you might be asking yourself, “What’s next?” Many donors we meet at the Community Foundation already have their answer. They’re pivoting from their working years to their giving years. Some might establish a donor-advised fund. Others dedicate more time to volunteering. Those who are at least 70 ½ years old have another option, as they may …
Embracing Authentic and Intentional Giving in 2024
Late in 2023, Merriam-Webster announced that their word of the year was “authentic.” According to Merriam-Webster, the term had an increase in searches “driven by stories and conversations about AI, celebrity culture, identity, and social media.” Perhaps people were inspired to become more authentic because of the significant events and cultural moments that shaped 2023. While we can’t know what …
Ready, Set, Give: Getting Started with Your Donor-Advised Fund
If you have recently opened a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation or are eager to learn more about the opportunities that come with your fund, this blog post is for you! By opening a donor-advised fund, you have unlocked a world of possibilities and advantages that will amplify your philanthropic impact. We like to break down the donor-advised fund process into three simple …
Spark Conversations About Generosity This Giving Season
December is often filled with feelings of hope, gratitude and kindness to others. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the role everyone can play in making the world a better place. For us at the Community Foundation, December also means “The Giving Season” is in full swing, which is a time when we help many philanthropists set up new …
With Giving Numbers Down in 2022, Donor-Advised Fund Giving Still on the Rise
Despite a decline in overall charitable giving (according to Giving USA), inflation, and a challenging year for U.S. financial markets, the 2023 Donor-Advised Fund Report compiled by National Philanthropic Trust, shows donor-advised funds continued to be one of the most reliable funding sources for charitable organizations. Grants from donor-advised funds have grown every year since 2009 and more than doubled …
Disaster Philanthropy: Hear from Leaders in the Field
When disaster strikes, many philanthropists ask: How can I help? Senior Philanthropic Advisor Whitney Hosty was joined by Patty McIlreavy, the President and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and Suzanne Ehlers, the Executive Director and CEO of USA for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to discuss disaster relief giving. Together, they explored philanthropy’s role in supporting communities facing …
Family Ties, Giving Back & Making a Difference
There’s something special about sharing experiences with your family, whether it’s the one you were born into or the one you’ve chosen. The joy of these shared moments creates meaningful bonds and unforgettable memories. In addition to annual vacations or life milestones, consider adding family philanthropy to the list of experiences. Giving as a family unites multiple generations through a …
Inspiring Generosity on Grandparent’s Day
Grandparent’s Day is dedicated to honoring grandparents and their meaningful role in families. Every year, this holiday reminds us to take the time to recognize the undeniable impact grandparents have on our lives. Oftentimes, grandparents are caregivers, teachers and mentors for families. They can also be the best playmates, adventure buddies and advice-givers. At the Community Foundation, we have helped …
Beyond the Headlines: A Bright Future for Philanthropy
If you’ve been keeping up with recent headlines about philanthropy, you may have noticed that 2022 was a down year for charitable giving. The economic challenges experienced in 2022, such as high inflation and turbulence in the stock market, left some with less disposable income to allocate toward charitable causes. The 2022 results follow the two best years on record …
What’s Next After Opening Your Donor-Advised Fund? Grantmaking!
After establishing your donor-advised fund and setting charitable assets aside for philanthropy, it’s time to get to the fun part, grantmaking. Now, you can use the funds from your donor-advised fund to support your favorite nonprofits. As your trusted partner to support your grantmaking, we are here to help. Director of Donor and Corporate Services Brian Motl breaks down some …