The types of permanent funds that you can establish at the Valley Community Foundation —throughout your lifetime and/or through your estate — are flexible in their design to provide something for everyone.

All it takes is just three easy steps to create your fund:

Tell us how you would like your fund to be used.

Would you like your gift to be flexible so that it can address any community problem or opportunity?

Or, is there a specific charity or cause that you would like to support?

Would you like to be involved in the grantmaking?

Tell us what you would like to name your fund.

Or, you may set up the fund anonymously if you prefer.

This will be your legacy.

One hundred years from now, your fund will still be making gifts.

Make a gift of at least $10,000 to start your fund.

Or, talk to us about creating a Build-a-fund.

We will prepare the fund agreement that fits your philanthropic goals.

Let's Get Started

We will help you tailor your giving to fit your charitable goals and your personal situation. You may choose to give now or give later. Either way, we will ensure that your legacy and interests will be honored today, tomorrow and forever.

What would you like to do?

Make an outright, immediate gift

Use many types of assets, including cash, stocks, bonds, mutual fund shares, real estate or other appreciated property.

If you are planning on gifting securities, please follow these instructions.

Transfer assets from a private foundation

Establish a fund with the Valley Community Foundation in the name of your private foundation. By arranging to transfer all or part of the assets, you also transfer the burden of taxes, paperwork and other responsibilities to the Valley Community Foundation. Our staff and board can help match your fund with the most appropriate nonprofits to meet your charitable goals.

To explore these options further, please call us at 203-751-9162.

Make a gift and earn income during your lifetime

Make a significant gift while still achieving your financial goals. These types of gifts typically offer significant tax advantages.

  • A Charitable Gift Annuity is a contract between you and the Foundation. Your gift provides you or a loved one with a fixed annual income for life. After your death, the assets pass to the Foundation for the philanthropic purposes you have outlined.

  • A Charitable Remainder Trust can accept a variety of assets, such as real estate or appreciated securities. The trust provides you and/or other named beneficiaries with income for your lifetime or for up to 20 years. After your death, the trust goes to the Foundation as a gift for the philanthropic purposes you have outlined.

Give by will, trust or retirement assets

Set up a bequest: Some people specify a certain dollar amount, or a percentage of an entire estate. You may choose to name the Valley Community Foundation as the beneficiary of your IRA. Others put family first and give whatever is left after all other gifts are distributed. Some leave an asset, like a painting, real estate or stock.

Learn more by reading Your Valley, Your Legacy.

Your ultimate goal: Your fund options:
Allow your gift to be flexible in its giving to address current and unforeseen needs Establish or donate to an Unrestricted Fund
Support or address a specific interest through several nonprofit organizations over time Establish or donate to a Preference Fund
Support specific organizations Establish or donate to a Designated Fund
Be actively involved in choosing the projects and nonprofits to support Establish or donate to a Donor Advised Fund
Support students through their education Establish or contribute to a Scholarship Fund

How can we help?

Sharon L. Closius

President and CEO

203-751-9162

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