Create a Fund
The Community Foundation of Louisville’s team of charitable giving experts will help you create your charitable fund in the most effective way possible and partner with your professional advisors to provide a convenient and full-service experience.
Why Work With Us?
Here, Everyone Can Be a Philanthropist
Whether you want to give away $100 or $1,000,000, we offer unique fund options to suit all giving levels. In fact, 30% of our funds are under $5,000. You can open a risk-free, tax-smart Charitable Checking Fund with no minimum initial balance and no administrative fee today.
Empower Local Philanthropy
When you have a fund with us, you’re supporting Louisville’s broader philanthropic sector. We value every dollar you add to your fund, not only because of the difference that money will make for the nonprofits you’re choosing to support but also because each dollar further advances our commitment to creating a Louisville where everyone prospers.
Personal & Professional Service
At the Foundation, you don’t have to choose between excellent customer service and modern expectations—you get both! Manage your fund independently, 24/7, through our easy-to-use online platform, or contact our friendly local team for the same great service. We also offer opportunities for collaboration. Whether it’s a workshop to help you and your family define your philanthropic goals or a social event to connect with other fundholders and community leaders, we offer the personalized events you desire. See personalized giving in action.
Experts in Philanthropy, Experts in Greater Louisville
Because of our deep roots in the region, we can provide extensive knowledge about community issues and unique insights into the causes you care about most. We can also keep you informed about best practices and effective giving strategies that can transform your philanthropy and create a lasting legacy for generations to come. Your charitable fund can be passed down to your children or grandchildren, helping to foster charitable giving as a family value.
Types of Funds at the Foundation
Donor Advised Funds
When you want to maximize tax benefits and retain flexibility to support your favorite charitable organizations. A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) allows donors to make a tax deductible gift now, and then decide later which charitable organizations to support. Gifts to your DAF are invested for long-term growth, so there is the potential for your initial gift to grow tax free, which can allow you to have more money to give to your favorite nonprofits. With a DAF, donors receive an unmatched level of personal service and community expertise and can involve successive generations to create a legacy of giving. Learn more.
Charitable Checking Funds
A Charitable Checking Fund (CCF) gives you great flexibility to support the causes and organizations you care about most. You can create an Individual/Joint CCF today by completing the online authorization form. There is no minimum to create your fund and no fees. You can use cash, stock, or other assets to get started. Investment options are not available for this fund.
Create an Individual/Joint CCF here.
In certain circumstances, groups and organizations can open CCFs. Certain rules apply. For more information, please contact stewardship@cflouisville.org or call 502.855.6171.
Immediate Impact Funds
Distribute scheduled grants to named charitable organizations for up to 5 years. This fund option is appealing to donors who want to make Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Learn more.
Designated Funds
When you want to support specific charitable organizations.
A Designated Fund is an endowed fund that supports one or more charities. The specific nonprofit organizations you care most about can receive a gift in your name every year through a Designated Fund. Learn more.
Field of Interest Funds
When you want to focus your charitable giving on a broader area of concern that is meaningful to you.
With a Field of Interest Fund, you can support the most appropriate and effective nonprofits within the charitable field you select, such as the arts, education, human services or a particular geographic area. Learn more.
Scholarship Funds
When you want to establish a scholarship to support others in achieving their academic dreams.
Scholarship Funds can focus on an area of study, a geographical region, or a specific demographic. The selection criteria is customized to fulfill your vision, whether honoring a loved one or encouraging young people at your alma mater to continue their education. Learn more.
Nonprofit Agency Endowment
Provides regular support to a nonprofit organization, and is created and funded by a nonprofit group to generate long-term sustainability. Learn more.
When you open a charitable fund with the Community Foundation, you can do more with your philanthropy than you ever thought possible. See how fundholders impact the community through their philanthropic dollars below.
Questions about opening your own Fund?
