The Community Foundation supports nonprofits beyond grantmaking — from practical tools and donor messaging to guidance on complex gifts and planned giving. Learn more about the ways our team can help you engage donors, educate your board, and build long-term, sustainable support for your mission.
Messaging for your marketing assets
For nonprofits who have established an agency fund at the community foundation, our team is happy to provide sample language describing how donors can make a gift. Offering resources ranging from sample bequest language to reminders about gifts of appreciated stock, the community foundation can help equip you with the fundamental tools you need to position your fund for sustainable growth.
Assistance with complex gifts
Real estate. Closely-held business interests. Charitable remainder trusts. These types of gifts can feel intimidating. The community foundation team works on complex charitable gifts on a regular basis. We can help evaluate opportunities in collaboration with a donor’s legal and tax advisors. In many cases, the community foundation can serve as a vehicle for receiving and administering gifts of hard-to-value assets so that the proceeds ultimately support your mission.
Education for your board of directors
Planned giving becomes much more manageable when everyone shares a basic understanding of the terminology and opportunities. We understand that your board of directors does not work in the area of charitable giving every day, and many concepts may be unfamiliar. We are happy to make a brief presentation during your regular board meeting to reinforce the importance of planned giving to your overall fundraising strategy, as well as clarify how the community foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits.
Alternative gift structures
From time to time, you may encounter a donor who wants to support your organization but does not wish to make an outright gift. The community foundation offers designated funds that allow a donor to set aside assets to benefit your organization over time. The community foundation will help achieve the donor’s intent, enabling the dollars to support your mission over the long term.
Celebration of legacy and commitment to local data
Data and storytelling are guiding elements of our work. We strive every day to record the stories of thoughtful Central New Yorkers to help them connect with their motivations for giving and preserve their charitable legacies for years to come. We use local data to spot regional trends, leverage resources, and generate innovative ideas and solutions for the benefit of our community. We also provide residents with access to the same information so that we can plan action and measure progress together.
For more information, visit 5forcny.org and cnyvitals.org.
