ADVISOR RESOURCES
How Do You Open a Fund?
Turn what matters to you into a plan for giving.
Starting a charitable fund at the Community Foundation for Mississippi is a simple way to organize your giving, support the causes you care about and create something that can continue over time.
A FUND CAN HELP YOU:
Support nonprofit organizations you care about
Recommend grants over time
Plan for future or legacy giving
Respond to community needs as they arise
Work with CFM to shape a charitable giving plan that reflects your goals
Start With Six Simple Steps
You do not need to know exactly what type of fund you want before getting started. In fact, a conversation with CFM is often the best first step.
We can talk through what you hope to accomplish, the causes or organizations you care about, and how involved you want to be in your giving. From there, we can help you explore the options and find an approach that fits your goals.
You can establish a fund now and begin seeing its impact during your lifetime, or plan a future gift through your will, estate plan or another planned giving option.
CFM can help you think through these questions and turn your ideas into a clear fund structure, guiding you every step of the way.
Different funds are designed for different goals. You may want to recommend grants yourself, support a specific organization, focus on a particular cause or create a scholarship.
CFM will work with you, and your professional advisor if needed, to determine which fund structure best fits your plans.
Funds can be established with cash, securities, real estate, bequests and other assets. CFM can also help evaluate more complex gifts and work alongside your financial, legal or tax advisors when needed.
Your fund can carry your name, your family’s name, honor someone important to you or reflect its charitable purpose. You may also choose to remain anonymous.
CFM will help you complete a straightforward fund agreement that documents the purpose of your fund and how you want it to work.
Once the fund is established, our team handles the administration and ongoing details so you can stay focused on your giving.
Once you’ve thought through these questions, CFM can help you turn your ideas into a clear fund structure and guide you through the setup process.
Fund Minimums
Most funds can be opened with an initial contribution of $5,000. You can continue adding to the fund over time.
Once the fund reaches $25,000, grants can begin to be made from it.
There is no fee to establish a fund at CFM, though minimums may vary by fund type.
Ready to Start a Fund?
Tell us what you want your giving to accomplish, and CFM can help you choose the right fund type, understand the minimums and complete the next steps.