It is easy to establish your own named charitable fund; for example, preparing and processing the governing document can take less than one hour. A staff member, and your financial advisor if you choose, will work with you on these simple steps:

1. Determine your charitable purpose or intent.

2. Select the type of charitable fund that best supports your purpose.  A Community Foundation of Northern Colorado staff member will outline your options and discuss advantages of each.

3. Complete a simple governing document.  The Foundation staff member will help you to complete a document that makes your intentions clear. (To view a standard agreement for an endowed Donor Advised fund, click here. To view a standard agreement for a quasi-endowed Donor Advised fund, click here.)

4. Select a name for your fund. You can use your name, that of a family member, the name of a favorite cause, or choose a name that allows you to remain anonymous.

5. Depending on the type of fund you establish, you may designate fund advisors, such as yourself and spouse, and successor advisors such as your children. This information will be included in your governing document.

6. Make an establishing gift (see Types of Gifts to learn about the types of contributions you can make.) You receive a tax deduction at the time the fund is established, and also when additional contributions are made to the fund.

Members of the Schatz family
formed the Schatz Family Fund.