Established Funds by Type
Individuals, businesses and organizations can achieve their charitable goals through giving to permanent endowment funds. The income from these funds is used to strategically award grants that address emerging and evolving needs in our community. Gifts are pooled and professionally managed. Resources grow through economies of scale and a highly diversified investment strategy that increase their charitable impact.
You can establish your own fund, either during your lifetime or through an estate plan, with as little as $10,000. The fund can be in your name, or in the name of your family, your organization, or someone you wish to honor. Your fund will receive recognition for all grants awarded from it to charitable organizations.
You’re viewing Established Funds by Type right now. Click here to view Established Funds organized by Area of Interest.
Types of Funds
Unrestricted Funds
Unrestricted Funds enable the Foundation to direct grants to meet the community’s ever-changing needs, which often cannot be anticipated at the time your gift is made. The Foundation Staff and Board evaluate all aspects of community well-being and award grants to make a difference in the areas where they are needed most. View Unrestricted Funds List
Donor Advised Funds
Donor Advised Funds may be of a permanent or nonpermanent nature. They provide for continuous donor involvement by allowing you to make recommendations to our Board of Trustees for grants to charitable organizations that address the community needs you care most about. The Community Foundation’s professional grant making staff helps identify worthy causes and is responsible for managing all the administrative details. Recommendations for grants must be approved by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. View Donor Advised Funds List
Field of Interest Funds
You may target your gift to address needs in an important area of community life, such as housing, youth, education, health or the environment. You identify your personal interest area when making your gift, and the Board of Trustees awards grants to community agencies and programs that are making a difference in that area. View Field of Interest Funds List
Scholarship Funds
You can fulfill the educational dreams of students and invest in our community’s future by helping students achieve their education and career goals. Scholarship Funds are established to honor loved ones, inspire young people or simply to offer the gift of education. Award criteria are specified by the donor at the time the fund is established and the Foundation staff and Scholarship Committee take care of publicizing it, selecting candidates and paying the award. View Scholarship Funds List
Designated Funds
You may choose to support the work or programs of a specific agency, which is designated at the time the fund is established. A portion of the income will be awarded annually as long as the organization remains in existence and continues to fulfill their intended charitable purpose. Assets belong to the Community Foundation and the fund is managed by the Foundation staff.
Agency Funds
An Agency Fund is a partnership between your nonprofit organization and the Foundation. Your long-term objectives are supported with the financial stability offered by yearly revenue grants. The Community Foundation provides vision, investment management and administration, allowing you to focus on your charitable work in the community. View Agency Funds List
Community Project Funds
Project Funds are non-endowed charitable funds that provide an opportunity for the Foundation to offer service and leadership within the community. These funds vary in size, activity level, fee structure and longevity. Although charitable, contributions to these non-endowed funds do not qualify for the State of Michigan Tax Credit.View Community Project Funds List
Managed Funds
You can donate to any of these established funds at any time in any amount by designating your fund choice to us at the time of donation. Gifts are irrevocable, become the assets of, and are under the full legal control of the Community Foundation.
