What is a community foundation?
OCF is a statewide nonprofit foundation governed by a volunteer board of directors. OCF administers permanent charitable funds on behalf of individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to support humanitarian, educational and cultural programs that benefit their communities and the state as a whole.
Why should I create a fund at OCF?
Creating a fund at OCF allows you to help communities in Oregon while fulfilling your philanthropic desires. Additional benefits include tax advantages and a professionally managed portfolio as well as the support of experienced and dedicated professional staff.
Why should I create a fund at OCF instead of donating directly to an organization?
Basically, OCF does the work for you. When you have a fund at OCF, you receive personal service and knowledge that add meaning and purpose to your contribution. We perform due diligence on each organization and our work with other donors and organizations often allows us to identify a need within the community that fits with your philanthropic goals. In addition, with our donor-advised funds, you are giving directly to an organization when you make your own grant recommendations.
What types of funds do you offer?
Advised, designated, scholarship, discretionary, field of interest and endowment partner funds are our established types of funds for donors.
How much is needed to start a fund?
You can create an advised fund with a gift or bequest of $25,000. Other types of permanent funds require a minimum of $50,000. You may also enter into an agreement with OCF to create a step-up fund with an initial gift of $5,000, building assets over time towards a permanent fund.
What assets can be contributed to a fund?
Outright gifts of cash, real estate, securities and/or personal property can be donated. Bequests by will of cash or property, life insurance or retirement plan assets naming OCF as beneficiary are also possible contributions.
Is there a minimum amount for a grant?
We recommend individual grants of at least $1,000 but $250 is the minimum.
May I set up an anonymous fund?
Yes. Let us know when you submit your grant recommendations that you would like to remain anonymous.
What types of organizations can I recommend for grants?
You may recommend qualified nonprofit public charities, schools and government programs.
Can I recommend a grant to an individual?
OCF does not make grants to individuals, only to qualifying nonprofit public charities.
I want to make grants to a specific type of organization but I am not familiar with any. Can OCF help me identify some programs?
Yes. Our staff can work with you to identify nonprofit organizations that meet your charitable goals. We can also research organizations you would like to know more about before recommending them as grant recipients.
How are you different from the United Way?
The United Way has an annual drive and distributes all it raises to qualifying charities. OCF creates and manages permanent endowments, making grants with the income for health, human services, education, arts and the environment. Both are powerful resources for a community.
What fees does OCF charge?
Check our fees information or contact a charitable gift planner in your area for information on fees.
Can I use my fund to pay off a pledge I made to my college?
No. Unfortunately, tax regulations prohibit grants that satisfy personal pledges.
How can I get my children involved?
If your children are of legal age, you can engage them as donor-advisors on your advised fund. In that capacity, they can recommend grants to charities and will receive copies of all statements and newsletters. If you would like to name your children to succeed you as a donor-advisors to the fund after your death, you can name them as successors of the fund.