At the community foundation, we work with a wide range of donors who want to support favorite charities and causes they care about. Sometimes we meet with individuals and families who have already begun their charitable giving journey by establishing a donor advised fund at a national charitable sponsor or commercial provider.
Over time, many donors discover that they want to learn about local needs, connect with nonprofits making a difference in their community, involve family members in giving decisions, and work with people who understand the place they call home. The good news is that moving a donor advised fund is often easier than people expect.
Here is a simple guide to the process.
Step 1: Start a conversation with the community foundation
The community foundation team is happy to learn about your charitable interests, answer questions, and explain how a donor advised fund at the community foundation can support your goals.
Many donors are surprised to learn that a community foundation offers not only the convenience of a donor advised fund, but also local knowledge, philanthropic expertise, and a long-term commitment to strengthening the community.
Step 2: Map out a fund that reflects your values
One of the most enjoyable parts of the process is designing a fund that reflects your family's charitable vision. You can choose a fund name, such as the Smith Family Advised Fund, designate fund advisors, and discuss how future generations might become involved.
Step 3: Establish your new donor advised fund
The community foundation will provide a simple fund agreement that outlines how the fund will operate and who may recommend grants to nonprofit organizations. The community foundation team will guide you through each step.
Step 4: Recommend a grant to make the transfer from your current donor advised fund
Once your new fund is established at the community foundation, you can contact your current donor advised fund provider and recommend a grant to the community foundation for the benefit of your newly created fund. In many cases, this can be completed online and requires only a few minutes.
Step 5: Put your philanthropy to work in the community
After the transfer is complete, you can begin recommending grants from your community foundation donor advised fund. Our team is always here as a sounding board and resource if you have questions! You may already support several favorite local nonprofits, or you may want to explore new giving opportunities. Many donors find that this deeper connection to the local community—and to professionals who understand it—becomes one of the most rewarding aspects of their giving.
When you move your fund to the community foundation, you gain a local partner committed to helping you make a lasting difference close to home. If you'd like to explore whether a transfer makes sense for you, Maddie Kellogg, CCF Director of Donor Services, would be happy to talk with you. Reach out to Maddie at (910)483-4449 ext. 107 or maddie@cumberlandcf.org.
