How to Become a Donor

 By partnering with us, you can help the community and the causes you care about through the most effective philanthropy possible. We have a proven track record of service to our donors and to our community.

Three ways that you can become involved with the Foundation:

Create a Fund
  • Through the Foundation, an individual, family, business, or nonprofit endowment gift can create a unique fund tailored to meet specific interests.
  • You may choose any name you wish for your fund.
  • Grants made from your fund will always be awarded in the name of the fund. If you desire anonymity, the Foundation will protect your identity.
  • An initial minimum gift of $10,000 is required to create a fund at the Foundation. We will accept most assets and provide you with a receipt to substantiate your charitable income tax deduction in the year the gift is made in accordance with IRS rules found in our gift acceptance policy.

Give to an existing fund
  • The Foundation can help you target your gift toward projects that will meet the community's most pressing needs.
  • Our staff can help you identify nonprofits and current initiatives.
  • If you already know the name of the existing fund in which you would like to give, Make a Gift now.


Create or Plan for a future fund

  • Bequests through Wills or Trust
  • Charitable Remainder Trust
  • Charitable Lead Trust
  • Retirement Plan Donation
  • Life Insurance Donation
  • Pooled Income Fund

Here are some benefits of charitable giving through us:
  • Easy and Efficient. You can manage your philanthropy quickly from one account with minimal effort so you can focus on the causes you care about. You receive the maximum tax advantages, while we handle the administrative details.
  • Freedom to Choose. You have freedom over your philanthropy, in how the dollars in your fund are invested, and how you achieve your charitable goals. We have the expertise and the experience in the community to help you succeed. We’ll help you determine the best philanthropic fund for your charitable goals.
  • Information You Can Use. Every day, our research department is assessing community needs and the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations seeking to meet those need.  We believe this type of knowledge is critical, and we want to share it with you so you can give wisely.  
  • Professional Advice and Personal Attention. Personalized strategies and resources targeted toward your unique philanthropic journey, including publications, workshops, e-newsletters, and events offering you insights on the latest trends, research, and experts in the field of philanthropy.

To learn more, contact a member of our Donor Services team at 614/251-4000 or by e-mail. Or, if you are interested in becoming a donor, please complete this brief Become a Donor form and a Donor Services officer will respond within the next business day.