By Lesley Roberts, Philanthropic Advisor
At the Community Foundation, we help individuals, families and businesses support the causes they care about—today and for the future.
When you establish a donor-advised fund or other type of fund, you likely have favorite charities in mind. Our team can help you continue supporting those organizations and introduce you to new opportunities that align with your values. But another important question to consider is:
How long do you want your charitable dollars to be at work?
Here are a few key questions to guide your giving plan:
- Do your priorities address immediate needs, long-term needs, or both?
- Would you like your children or grandchildren to guide the fund in the future?
- Do you want to see the results of your giving now, or create a legacy beyond your lifetime?
- How do tax savings, estate planning, or retirement income goals factor in?
- What balance feels right between near-term impact and permanent endowment?
- What would success look like for your fund in five years—or fifty?
Many donors choose a combination of strategies, such as:
- A donor-advised fund to organize annual giving and use “bunching” for tax benefits.
- A designated fund to support a favorite charity in perpetuity.
- Annual gifts to your community’s Giving Tree Endowment to meet future needs.
- Beneficiary designations on IRAs or retirement plans to sustain giving beyond a lifetime.
Our team is here to help you craft a plan that reflects your vision—whether that means lasting forever, making a difference right now, or both.