The power of endowment goes a long way in giving

When choosing a one-time donation to an individual charity, that gift will ease an immediate need. When wishing to make a greater impact for generations to come, an endowment fund might be the best option.

People across Chippewa County, open endowment funds, because they want to give back to their community and the charitable causes they care about.

As a fundholder, a person’s endowment can serve the needs of health and human services, education, nature, community development, or arts and culture. The donor chooses what the fund will support and the Community Foundation of Chippewa County takes care of the rest.

The foundation is a nonprofit, therefore, donations of cash, stock or planned estate gifts offer tax benefits. Gifts may be designated in bequests and beneficiary allocations, among other options. Next, the fund is invested for longterm growth and the earnings will provide charitable grants.

Established by community members 23 years ago, the foundation is entrusted to manage nearly 300 funds and is nationally accredited. It generated $1.4 million last year, which was distributed to local charities – with $20 million throughout its existence.

When ready, the foundation will coordinate activities with a financial and/or legal team, to appropriately transfer assets. Gifts of cash, stocks, bonds, real estate or other assets can be used to create an endowment fund. These gifts can be transferred now or determined to be transferred later.

Most charitable gifts qualify for maximum tax advantages under federal law.

Donations are also needed to keep the endowments active, which can be designated toward specific funds.

To learn more, visit yourlegacyforever.org.