We strive to connect people in our communities to the causes they care about most. With over 530 individual charitable funds, the Community Foundation has helped to connect donors to a wide variety of causes, nonprofits, and communities throughout northeast Michigan.
Starting a new fund is easy, and is a great way to support a favorite cause in perpetuity. It is also a great way to leave a legacy of your own, or honor a loved one's legacy. New funds can be established to be used during your lifetime, or as a planned gift. Why give through the Community Foundation?
- Whatever your charitable giving goals may be, our team can help. We care about our community as much as you do.
- Our board and staff are committed to understanding your perspectives on the challenges facing the quality of life in our region.
- Deeply familiar with local nonprofits, we can serve as a resource to help you give when, how, and to the causes you want.
- Our tools and back-office administration capabilities make it easy to keep your giving organized and tax-savvy.
Ready to explore more?
Donor-Advised Funds - This type of fund is a simple, flexible way to give to the causes you care about most. You make a charitable contribution to the fund, receive an immediate tax benefit, and then recommend grants to nonprofits over time. The fund can grow through investment, allowing you to give more in the future, while the sponsoring organization handles all administrative details—making it an easy, thoughtful way to create lasting impact on your own timeline. You can even name a second generation to recommend grants beyond your lifetime if you choose.
Funds for the Community
A Fund for the Community allows you to create a named, endowed fund, starting at $5,000, that grows over time and strengthens the Foundation’s Community Impact Fund. Each year, your named fund generates grants for local nonprofits across northeast Michigan. Your Fund for the Community becomes part of your story—a permanent legacy that carries your name and your love for this community forward, year after year, forever. Learn more about Funds for the Community
A minimum of $5,000 is required to establish most types of funds. (For affiliate foundations, a fund may be started with less, but must reach $5,000 within three years.). A minimum of $40,000 is required to establish scholarship funds.
Contact us at 1-877-354-6881 or email our Executive Director, Patrick Heraghty at pheraghty@cfnem.org or Development & Marketing Director, Christine Hitch at chitch@cfnem.org to get started.
For individuals |
You're supporting your favorite causes in lots of ways. Volunteering, serving on boards, donating food and clothing, celebrating at events, and purchasing products that support a cause are just a few of the ways you are making a difference in the lives of others. At the center of your philanthropy is charitable giving. By working with us and setting up your own fund, you can organize and maximize your financial support of charitable organizations. |
For families |
Philanthropy is an important part of your family's traditions and values. You enjoy involving your children and grandchildren in your charitable giving. Not only do you want to deepen those intergenerational connections, but you also are committed to leaving a legacy to your children, grandchildren, and community. You can do all of this through planning and tools to continue support of the causes you love. That's exactly what our team will help you do. |
For businesses
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The rise of social media and a growing focus on community impact in our society means that we are now living in a social impact culture. Today's business leaders are excited about the growth opportunities made possible because of the social impact culture mindset of their employees and customers. By establishing a corporate fund, you can work with our team to organize and celebrate your company's financial support of its favorite causes. |
For nonprofits |
When a nonprofit establishes an endowment fund for their agency, it provides a permanent source of income, flexibility, and options for its donors, as well as opportunities for short- and long-term giving campaigns. As the fund grows through additional gifts and investment income, the amount generated each year for your nonprofit increases as well, helping that nonprofit to carry out its mission. Learn more about Agency Funds. |