A guide for giving.
DONORS
Connection to the community Decades of proven stewardship Committed to philanthropy
We work with individuals, families and businesses to help them navigate charitable giving options. If you want to give with confidence, you’ve found your partner.
GETTING STARTED
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
With The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, you can give now or plan for the future. Your path depends on your financial situation and what you want to achieve. We work with you and your professional advisor to ensure the process is seamless and efficient. We’ll help you:
Individual attention: We listen to learn about your needs, interests and motivations. We work with you to develop your charitable plan.
• Define your charitable goals. • Determine the type of grantmaking fund(s) best suited to your needs and plans. • Choose a name for your fund that will carry on your name or your family or business name, whatever you choose. • Choose your timeframe. Do you want to create a fund now? Give later through your estate? Do you or your loved ones need income from your assets, now or in the future? • Create a plan for giving that maximizes tax advantages. • Make your gift today or establish a future fund. Most funds can be established with a minimum gift of $10,000.
Flexibility: A customized fund can support all your charitable interests. We also offer tools for giving that provide tax advantages, increased income for you or for others and charitable impact. Efficiency: You receive maximum tax deductions for your contributions because CFWNC is a public charity. It’s easy to establish a fund and do your giving. Expertise: CFWNC has experience helping people like you. Our staff is immersed in the world of charitable giving, and we will share that knowledge with you. When you want research on a specific issue or nonprofit, context for larger charitable efforts or connections with other donors who share your passion, we can help. Sound investing: Investments are diversified and stewardship is ensured by the oversight of CFWNC’s Investment Committee, made up of experienced professionals. In some instances, your existing investment advisors may manage your charitable assets.
ASSETS YOU CAN GIVE
PLANNED GIFT OPTIONS
Cash - Gifts may be made in any amount to an existing fund, with cash, by check or online at www.cfwnc.org.
Bequest: Specify a gift in your will or revocable trust. You retain assets during your lifetime and the gift will be made upon your death.
Publicly-traded stocks and mutual funds - Gifts of appreciated securities allow you to make a substantial contribution in one transfer while receiving valuable income tax advantages. Usually, capital gain from the donated asset is tax free.
Beneficiary designation: Name your fund at CFWNC as a full or partial beneficiary on your retirement plan or life insurance.
Closely-held stock and limited partnerships - With careful planning, business interests can be transformed into charitable assets, often with income and estate tax advantages.
Charitable gift annuity: In exchange for a gift of $10,000 or more, you receive an immediate tax deduction and a guaranteed income stream for life (or the lifetimes of two people). A portion of the payments may be tax free.
A private foundation or trust - Transfer the assets to CFWNC while keeping your foundation’s name and philanthropic goals, ensuring ongoing stewardship and efficient administration.
Charitable remainder trust (CRT): Create a CRT with $250,000 or more and receive an immediate tax deduction and income for life or a period of years, after which the fund you name receives the remaining assets.
Real estate - Your residence, vacation home, investment property or land may be the right asset to give. Our expertise streamlines the process, avoids risks and maximizes the value upon sale, leaving more for giving.
Charitable lead trust (CLT): Provide income to a charitable fund for a period of years, and direct the remaining – often appreciated – assets to yourself or heirs.
Retirement assets - Assets in a qualified retirement plan or your IRA can be transferred to your fund. CFWNC can outline your options.
the lucas family “Working with The Community Foundation has made it easy for us to accomplish our goals for the Fund, celebrate Dan’s life and give back.” Dan Lucas Memorial Fund
TYPES OF FUNDS Donor Advised Fund
Make a tax-deductible initial gift of at least $10,000 and receive personal recognition, involvement and flexibility for your giving. There are no startup costs, excise taxes, minimum pay-outs or administrative burdens. Grants may be made to any qualified charity and family members can be involved.
Fund for Western North Carolina or named unrestricted fund
To make a broad impact and address changing needs, a gift to the Fund for Western North Carolina or a named unrestricted fund provides grants to nonprofit organizations across the region.
Field of Interest Fund
Provides grants focused on your interests or a specific geographic area, with CFWNC’s professional staff identifying organizations doing exemplary work.
Designated Fund
Provides permanent annual support to one or more charitable organizations you name.
Scholarship Fund
Makes annual awards to deserving students in Western North Carolina through a competitive process, or create a customized scholarship fund that reflects your priorities.
Memorial Fund
A simple way to honor and memorialize a loved one, transforming memorial gifts into a lasting legacy.
Corporate Fund
For business owners and those managing corporate giving, CFWNC’s services can streamline grantmaking and administration.
Pow er o f e n dowment Thanks to the power of endowment and time, your gift will give forever. A $100,000 gift to CFWNC can produce nearly $140,000 in grants and still grow to a balance of more than $154,000 in 25 years (based on 7.5% returns and 4.5% spending).
INVESTMENTS AND FEES CFWNC’s investment objective is to maintain and, when possible, increase the purchasing power of its invested funds using a total return strategy. Foundation assets are invested in a mix of domestic and foreign equities, fixed-income instruments, absolute return investment classes and cash. Our independent audit, statement of financial activities and other investment information is available upon request. Each fund is charged for the cost of administrative and investment services.
HERE TO HELP Giving with The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina is easy and personal. To connect with us, call (828) 254-4960 or visit our website at www.cfwnc.org.
the community foundation of western north carolina
4 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Suite 300 • Asheville NC 28803 (828) 254-4960 • www.cfwnc.org
people place prosperity
Scenic photos, Wes Harkins Photography Portrait, Michael Oppenheim