start a fund
Give a priceless gift
Donors who establish personal giving funds with the Women’s Fund receive one priceless benefit — the joy of watching their philanthropic dollars at work! Unless you choose to remain anonymous, your generosity will be recognized by those who benefit from your fund and the community.
Tax benefits of starting a fund
Your gift to establish a fund accomplishes two important tax objectives:
Charitable income tax deduction in the year of the gift
Reduction of the gross estate for future estate tax purposes In addition, donors eliminate capital gains taxes for gifts of appreciated property. Donors can create or add to their fund with gifts of cash, publicly traded or closely held securities, real estate or personal property at any time.
tailor your legacy by choosing to establish one or more funds
Community impact fund
A community impact fund is a donor’s broadest option. It can reach all charitable organizations involved with women’s issues.
How does a community impact fund work?
The Women’s Fund directs dollars to projects that best address the most pressing needs, even needs that change over time. By making a gift or bequest to create a Women’s Fund Community Impact Fund, you create a living legacy that grows and changes with our community
Donor advised fund
Donor advised funds let donors simplify and consolidate their charitable giving — without the expense or legal and administrative burdens of running a private foundation.
How does a donor advised fund work?
Those who establish a donor advised fund retain the right to recommend grants to charitable agencies. You get a full charitable deduction in the year the fund is created and a single receipt for gifts to the fund. You can name other advisors to the fund. Staff can help identify effective projects in your areas of interest. Donor advised funds can support charities across the country.
Field of interest fund
Field of interest funds let you address a cause or issue that’s important to you, without being locked into naming specific charities.
How does a field of interest fund work?
You name the purpose of the fund — such as arts, environment or youth. The Foundation identifies projects that can most effectively accomplish that goal at any given time.
Designated fund
A designated fund names a charity, or charities, to benefit from the fund.
How does a designated fund work?
You have the assurance of knowing the charity you choose will forever benefit from your support. If the organization ever ceases to exist, the Foundation’s board will preserve your intent by redirecting the fund toward an agency with a similar mission.
Scholarship Fund
A scholarship fund can be set up in the donor’s name to help deserving young people get an education.
How does a scholarship fund work?
The fund can be set up to make awards based on any of the following:
Schools
Colleges or universities the student attends
Fields of study
Geographic area students are from
Other interests
Acorn Fund
Donors from all economic backgrounds can now make a significant and permanent contribution to the charity of their choice by starting an acorn fund.
How does an acorn fund work?
By investing as little as $1,000 and making annual contributions of $250 per year, you can build your tax-deductible contributions into a permanent endowment fund. When the acorn fund reaches $10,000 it will begin making grants to support your chosen charity, or charities.