1 0 WAYS TO G I V E A N D I M PAC T CO M M U N I T Y Our community’s needs are big, small, systemic and interpersonal. Community foundations are centered on the belief that our impact together is meaningful and capable of meeting our collective vision for a better future. No matter your background, age or financial situation, you have something to contribute to that promise. Here are 10 ways to consider partnering with Grand Rapids Community Foundation for your giving. 1
GIVE ONLINE
The simplest way to give to the Community Foundation is online! Online gifts are quick, secure and impactful. Choose to give once or make a monthly commitment. Give to the unrestricted fund or support a specific fund. Visit givegr.org/donate to learn more. 2
BACK A COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE
We’re known for “Gifts, Growth and Grants,” but we also impact Kent County through community leadership initiatives. For example, Challenge Scholars, Our LGBTQ Fund and our African American Heritage Fund are making measurable change.
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MAKE A “WIN-WIN” GIFT THROUGH A CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY
Make an immediate gift to the Community Foundation and continue to receive income for life. A charitable gift annuity gives back now with tax benefits and lifetime payments, and the residuum will continue giving in perpetuity as part of an endowment fund. 7
ESTABLISH A SCHOLARSHIP
The Community Foundation has provided scholarships in Kent County since 1945 and now awards more than $1 million annually. Encourage post-secondary education with an endowed scholarship. We awarded $1.36 million in scholarships to 630 students in 2019, including 67% to first generation college students. 8
FOCUS ON A COMMUNITY NEED, WITH FLEXIBILITY FOR THE FUTURE
$100,000 - the African American Heritage Fund’s goal to raise by Juneteenth 2020
Our community’s needs are constantly changing and ever-present. Establish a Field of Interest Fund supporting one or more special interest areas—like the environment, scientific research or youth programs. The Community Foundation will make grants in your name, now and in the future.
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LEAVE A LEGACY
Join our Metz Legacy Society by including the Community Foundation in your estate plan. Your charitable bequest will benefit our community forever, while honoring your legacy. 4
DONATE STOCK
Gifts of stocks, bonds or mutual fund shares offer unique tax advantages. As year’s end approaches, consider contributions of appreciated securities. If you are holding assets that have increased in value, this may be a smart option for you. NOTE: All Depository Trust Company (DTC) eligible stock transfers must be initiated by 12 p.m. on December 30. 5
CONSIDER YOUR IRA’S CHARITABLE POTENTIAL
Consider a direct transfer from a traditional IRA account to the Community Foundation. If you are 70½ or older, you can transfer up to $100,000 annually and won’t need to recognize the distribution as income.
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CREATE A FUND YOU ADVISE
Recommend grants to the nonprofits you care about through a Donor Advised Fund at the Community Foundation. We’ll take care of the accounting and administration, so you can focus on impact. And, you can design a grantmaking plan that encourages philanthropy in the next generation of your family. 23 new funds created last year at Grand Rapids Community Foundation
10 GIVE THE GIFT OF YOU Want to give your time or share your expertise to benefit our community? We partner with nonprofit organizations throughout Kent County who would love to have you as a volunteer. Volunteers contribute to more than a dozen Community Foundation committees and advisory councils. See our volunteers on page 10. READY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT A GIVING OPTION? Whether you would like to give now, later or just explore your philanthropic options, our team is here to help. Contact a member of our development team today at 616.454.1751. PARTNERS in community | 7
Left to Right: Marilyn Zack, vice president of development; Jonse Young, director of philanthropic services; Shaun Shira, major and planned gifts director; Jenine Torres, development officer