With Donor Advised-Funds

Donor-advised funds are simple to set up and easy to operate. They allow you to address a wide variety of issues and fulfill your charitable interests and passions as they evolve over time. Reasonable fund minimums make the donor-advised fund a useful charitable tool. Its flexibility makes it a convenient option to manage your giving and enjoy hands-on involvement.

Be Engaged in the Grantmaking Process

A donor-advised fund provides an opportunity for you to advise on distributions from your fund to specific charities you care about. Staff members with significant expertise on local issues and initiatives are also available to identify organizations that match your charitable interests. Additional gifts may be made to your donor-advised fund at any time. You can use cash, stock, real estate or other assets to qualify for an immediate tax deduction.

An Alternative to a Private Foundation

A donor-advised fund allows you to make gifts over time and invest your charitable dollars without the burden and expense of establishing and maintaining a private or family foundation.

It’s Efficient

We handle the managerial tasks of your fund all for a nominal administrative fee. Hundreds of funds share the costs of administration, allowing for economies of scale.

It’s Personal

Not only may you recommend distributions from your fund to specific charities, you may also assign a successor advisor to it, which is an effective way to engage other family members in charitable activity.

It’s Easy

The necessary paperwork to establish a new fund is straightforward and can be completed in minutes. Recommending grants can be done online.

It’s Up to You

It’s up to you to determine the appropriate level of spending from your donor-advised fund, with none of the burdensome compliance requirements of private foundations. If you are interested in preserving your fund for the long-term, you have the option to adopt our suggested spending rate.

Giving Stories

Man and woman standing outside
Publications November 21, 2024

Couple shares ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ — and Green

Music has been a lifelong passion for retired physicians Dr. Harold L. Husovsky and Dr. ...

Chedy sitting on steps
Publications July 12, 2024

Giving Back to Provide Opportunities with Chedy Hampson

Giving Voice Spring 2024: Donor Story

Publications April 22, 2024

Beyond Great Expectations: An Unexpected Gift with Unending Impact

The unexpected and unrestricted nature of Lucy’s bequest echoes the quiet yet profound impact individuals ...

Koerner Family outside
Publications April 22, 2024

The Koerner Family Funds: Like Parents, like Daughters

Education was a cornerstone for the Koerner kids, instilled by their successful and civic-minded parents. ...

Pamela Monaco sitting with her dog
Publications March 5, 2024

Planning Never Stops

Giving Voice Winter 2024: Giving Matters

Man and woman stand together
Stories February 12, 2024

Giving Perspectives: Susan & Michael Meath

The Community Foundation’s 5forCNY initiative, which invites community members to give back to the region ...

Debbie & Harvey Kliman
Publications October 1, 2023

Amplified Giving: Debbie & Harvey Kliman

Giving Voice Winter 2024: Donor Story

Erie Canal
Stories June 23, 2023

Building Bridges of Opportunity

John Winter's legacy as a devoted father, philanthropist, and advocate for marginalized communities lives on. ...

Man and woman standing outside
Publications November 21, 2024

Couple shares ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ — and Green

Music has been a lifelong passion for retired physicians Dr. Harold L. Husovsky and Dr. ...

Chedy sitting on steps
Publications July 12, 2024

Giving Back to Provide Opportunities with Chedy Hampson

Giving Voice Spring 2024: Donor Story

Publications April 22, 2024

Beyond Great Expectations: An Unexpected Gift with Unending Impact

The unexpected and unrestricted nature of Lucy’s bequest echoes the quiet yet profound impact individuals ...

Koerner Family outside
Publications April 22, 2024

The Koerner Family Funds: Like Parents, like Daughters

Education was a cornerstone for the Koerner kids, instilled by their successful and civic-minded parents. ...

Pamela Monaco sitting with her dog
Publications March 5, 2024

Planning Never Stops

Giving Voice Winter 2024: Giving Matters

Man and woman stand together
Stories February 12, 2024

Giving Perspectives: Susan & Michael Meath

The Community Foundation’s 5forCNY initiative, which invites community members to give back to the region ...

Debbie & Harvey Kliman
Publications October 1, 2023

Amplified Giving: Debbie & Harvey Kliman

Giving Voice Winter 2024: Donor Story

Erie Canal
Stories June 23, 2023

Building Bridges of Opportunity

John Winter's legacy as a devoted father, philanthropist, and advocate for marginalized communities lives on. ...

View More