What is a Community Foundation?

A Community Foundation is tax-exempt public charity that helps individuals, families, businesses and organizations accomplish their charitable goals through named charitable funds. Funds are invested and professionally managed to create a growing stream of income allowing donors to support causes and organizations important to them. There are currently more than 700 Community Foundations in the United States.

Why should I give to the Community Foundation instead of establishing my own private foundation?

When comparing a donor advised fund held at the Community Foundation to a private foundation, many find a donor advised fund an attractive option for their charitable giving. Donor advised funds allow for comparable grantmaking flexibility without the administrative hassles and costs associated with a private foundation.

What types of funds can be established?

The Community Foundation offers great flexibility with the type of fund and level of donor involvement desired. There are several types of charitable funds, including donor-advised, field-of-interest, unrestricted, designated, scholarship and agency funds. They are explained in more detail here, but staff is happy to meet with you to discuss which type of fund will achieve your charitable objectives most efficiently.

What is the minimum amount to start fund?

There are no minimum gift amounts required to establish donor-advised, field of interest, unrestricted, designated, or agency funds. A permanent scholarship fund may be established with a minimum gift of $30,000.

What assets can be contributed?

The Community Foundation accepts many assets, including cash, securities, real estate, retirement plans, and life insurance. Click here to learn more.

How are grants made and how often?

For donor advised funds, grants can be made at any time. Submit a signed grant recommendation form and we verify the organization’s nonprofit status and make the grant on your behalf. Grants from Community Impact Funds are made once a year.

Can the Community Foundation provide information about worthwhile projects and organizations to support?

Yes. Our staff can work with you to identify nonprofit organizations or charitable projects that meet your charitable goals. We can also research organizations you would like to know more about before recommending them as grant recipients.

Can I give anonymously?

Yes. When establishing your fund or recommending grants from your fund, you may elect to remain anonymous.

Can I recommend grants to nonprofit organizations outside of north Georgia?

Yes. Although our Community Impact Grants support the work of nonprofit organizations in the North Georgia region, donors may recommend grants from their funds to any 501(c)3 organizations in the United States.

How do I recommend a grant?

You may recommend a grant online. You may also download a grant recommendation form and return it to our office via mail, fax or e-mail.

What resources do you offer to nonprofit organizations?

Through our donors and competitive grant making programs, the Community Foundation provides funding to nonprofits. Although grant making is important, the Community Foundation is committed to serving nonprofits in a variety of ways. Affordable office space, board room rental, endowment management and nonprofit training sessions are some of the resources we provide to nonprofits.

Have a question?

If we didn’t answer your question here, feel free to give us a call at 770-535-7880 or email info@ngcf.org and we will be glad to help you out and direct you to the right team member.