Start a Fund

We strive to connect people in our communities to the causes they care about most. With over 500 individual charitable funds, the Community Foundation has helped to connect these 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.

Whatever your charitable giving goals may be, our team can help. We care about our community as much as you do.

Our board of directors 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.

A minimum of $5,000 is required to establish a new fund. (For affiliate foundations, a fund may be started with less, but must reach $5,000 within three years.)

Ready to get started? Contact us at 1-877-354-6881 or email our Executive Director, Patrick Heraghty at pheraghty@cfnem.org.

Types of Funds

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	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.