Create a Fund
Using the Foundation’s standard fund agreement as a starting point, you can create a fund in a single visit. The agreement can be modified to reflect how you want the fund named, your charitable intentions, the extent of involvement you desire in the grantmaking process, and any other issues that are important to you. A minimum fund commitment of $10,000 is required ($25,000 for scholarships or agency endowments), contributed at once or over a period of time.
The Community Foundation can work with you and your financial advisors to suggest tax-effective gift opportunities that maximize the power of your gift and reduce its cost.
Another reason to choose the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County for your charitable giving is our Fee Policy. Because of the Leighton Endowment for the Advancement of Philanthropy, created by local businessman and philanthropist Judd Leighton, we’re able to waive the administrative fees that foundations normally assess. That means each dollar contributed to Foundation endowed funds goes to support the causes chosen by you, not the costs of fund administration.
To start the process: Contact Rose Meissner, president of the Foundation, at (574) 232-0041. Working with you and, if you wish, your attorney or financial advisor, she’ll answer any questions you have.
Below, you’ll find our fund-specific policies and sample language for the Community Foundation’s types of funds.
Donor-Advised Endowed Fund
Donor-Advised Pass-Through Fund
Scholarship Fund
Designated Fund
- Fund Policy
- Sample Agreement for a Designated Endowment Fund
- Community Foundation Organizational Endowment Funds