Once you've discovered how affordable and financially advantageous charitable giving can be, you may be surprised. Before making any large decision about your financial or charitable wishes, we suggest you consult with your financial advisor, accountant or attorney. These professionals can help you better understand how your personal situation may improve and your charitable dreams can be realized by setting up a fund at our Community Foundation.

The process to establish to a new donor fund should be very straightforward. In fact, it's one of the biggest advantages of making a donation through a community foundation. When you're ready to begin, simply contact us and we'll walk you through the following steps:

• Choose When to Give: You can create a fund during your lifetime, in your estate plan, or through a trust arrangement that benefits your family and favorite charities. Tax deductions are earned at the time of the gift, while grant making continues into the future.
• Choose What to Give: You can start your fund with almost any kind of asset: cash, publicly traded securities, closely held stock, interests in limited partnerships, real estate, or tangible property. Gifts of long-term appreciated property earn tax deductions for their full present market value.
• Choose a Name: Every grant from your fund carries its name. Many people choose to name their fund for the donor, for the donor's family, or as a memorial to someone special. Of course, you can also remain anonymous.