Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts
Types of Funds >> Donor Advised Funds

A personal approach to giving

Donor Advised

Opening a Donor Advised Fund allows you to make a gift to your community foundation, then remain actively involved in suggesting uses for your gift.

How it works

  • You make a gift with as little as $10,000 (payable over four years) to the Community Foundation — you can give cash, appreciated stocks, real estate, or other assets.
  • We set up a special fund in your name, in the name of your family or business, or in honor of any person or organization you choose.
  • You receive tax benefits in the year your gift is made.
  • You recommend uses for the fund — working with our professional program staff to support the causes and organizations you care about most.
  • Your recommendations are presented to our community foundation board for approval.
  • We handle all the administrative details and issue grants to charities in the name of the fund you establish (if you prefer, grants can be made anonymously).
  • Your gift can be placed into an endowment that is invested over time. Earnings from your fund are used to make grants addressing community needs. Your gift — and all future earnings from your gift — is a permanent source of community capital, helping to do good work forever.

A personal connection

When Alex Dorado retired, he wanted a way to give more to his community. “I’ve lived here my whole life, and now that I have more time and resources, I can give back to a number of causes and organizations that are very special to me,” he says. Alex and his financial advisor met with their community foundation to discuss ways Alex might increase the impact of his giving and gain maximum tax advantage. Alex chose to establish a Donor Advised Fund in his family’s name. He now meets with the community foundation’s professional program staff to recommend grants in the areas he cares about most. “Last year, based on my recommendations, the fund bought uniforms for an after-school sports league and supported an adult literacy program,” reports Alex. “This is a great way to stay involved and use what I have to make a difference in the community I love.”