Focus My Giving

Whether you are a new philanthropist or an experienced one, the Community Foundation can help you focus your giving.

We can help you create a philanthropic plan that is personalized to reflect your core values and concerns. Our knowledge of community needs and our assistance through the entire planning process will develop your awareness of the issues you care about most and guide you through each important step of charitable giving:

Focus Your Vision

The Community Foundation can help you develop a personal or family focus to your charitable intentions. We can help you identify areas where your passions are aligned with community shortcomings. This is where your philanthropy has the best chance to bring about meaningful change.

Make Informed Decisions

The Community Foundation provides numerous opportunities for you to learn more about your areas of concern. We help our philanthropists connect with experts in the field, review relevant reports and information, and visit organizations that interest them. Through donor education events, community convenings, special receptions, and other events, you'll be introduced to local and national experts as well as others in the community who share your views on the value of philanthropy.

Create Your Plan

Once you've set your objectives, we can work with you to craft your philanthropic plan and ensure the best match between your deeply-held values and philanthropic goals.

Determine Your Plan's Effectiveness

Evaluation measures are an important part of our philanthropic planning process. You'll want to make sure the resources you commit have their desired impact: Are the problems being addressed most relevant now? Is the infrastructure in place for future progress? The Community Foundation will assist you in monitoring your grants and reviewing your philanthropic portfolio.

Benefit From Administrative Support

The administrative tasks that come along with charitable giving should not interfere with your desire to effect change in the community. The Community Foundation will assist you with these tasks, easing your concerns while making sure you get the greatest returns on your contribution. When you establish a fund, we'll issue quarterly fund statements and help with record keeping and documentation of contributions for tax purposes. You can also access your fund activity 24/7 with our online fund managment tool, DonorCentral.

Ready to develop your own personalized philanthropic plan? Contact Philanthropic Services Associate  Stefanie Griffin at (585) 341-4360.