Establishing a Fund

Establishing a fund at the Arizona Community Foundation or an Affiliate is an easy, effective way to invest in your community. You can focus on specific organizations, issues or regions, or create a fund with a flexible purpose. Funds can be created in as little as one meeting, with a short fund agreement and a single gift.

We became a component fund of the Arizona Community Foundation because we knew professional managers would properly invest the money we raised, and assist us in the best way to distribute the funds to those in need. This relationship has allowed us to focus our attention on creating and supporting programs to help pediatric congenital heart patients and their families, knowing our funds remain secure.

— Dan and Margaret Majetich
Founders, Nick & Kelly Children's Heart Fund

Our staff will work closely with you and your family through the following steps to create your fund:

STEP 1

Define your charitable and financial objectives.

  • What's your passion?
  • What do you envision for your community?
  • What level of tax benefit do you seek?
  • Would you like to involve the next generation of your family?

STEP 2

Determine the fund's giving strategy,

based on the following options:

  • To support the broadest range of local needs.
  • To support a variety of organizations within a particular field, such as music education, the environment or affordable housing, as examples.
  • To support varying organizations at your recommendation.
  • To benefit one or more specific charitable organization(s).
  • To generate scholarships for students seeking higher education.

STEP 3

Choose a type of fund.

  • Named Fund for the Common Good
  • Field-of-Interest Fund
  • Scholarship Fund
  • Donor Advised Fund
  • Collaborative Fund
  • Designated Fund
  • Nonprofit Agency Endowment Fund (for nonprofit organizations only)
  • Supporting Organization (min. $5 million opening gift required)

STEP 4

Determine the timing and amount

of your gift. Do you want to:

  • Create a fund during your lifetime?
  • Create a fund through your will or trust?

STEP 5

Determine what assets to

contribute. Options include:

  • Cash equivalents
  • Publicly-traded and privately-held securities
  • Business interests
  • Real estate, including land and personal property
  • Life insurance policies
  • Pension fund assets
  • Retirement account assets

STEP 6

Consider your income needs.

  • Are you interested in making a charitable gift and receiving income for the remainder of your lifetime or a set period of years? Both are possible with a charitable gift annuity or a charitable remainder trust.
  • Are you interested in making a charitable gift now, but preserving some wealth for your heirs after your lifetime? You may be interested in a charitable lead trust.

STEP 7

Name the fund.

  • Funds can be named for you, your family or to memorialize a loved one
  • Or, choose anonymity and select a name reflecting your charitable purposes.

STEP 8

Sign the fund agreement.

  • Once you complete and sign the fund agreement, ACF will begin to help you meet your charitable objectives, assuring your philanthropic wishes are met in perpetuity.

FINALLY

Contact the Arizona Community Foundation.

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