Understanding

Designated Funds allow donors to direct their gift to a specific charity or charities, to forever benefit that organization/s.

Donor-Advised Funds allow donors to remain actively involved in their charitable giving. From time to time, the donor or an advisor of their choice may suggest who is to benefit from a specific gift.

Field of Interest Funds can be donor directed for a particular interest area, such as the arts, environmental causes or education. The Community Foundation then selects the specific non-profit organizations that best serve the fund's charitable intent. Learn more about these special funds.

Organization Funds allow non-profit organizations to create permanent endowment funds for their own benefit. The Community Foundation handles all of the administrative and investment responsibilities, freeing the organization to pursue its mission.

Scholarship Funds allow a donor to help students pursue their education by paying for part or all of their education. The donor can be involved in establishing the selection criteria and guidelines.

Unrestricted Funds address needs within our local community as they change over time. A community based committee reviews and approves grants, then makes them in a specific fund's name.

For a printable guide on the types of funds at the Community Foundation, click here.

The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln believes that the process to establish to a fund should be very straightforward for the donor. In fact, it's one of the biggest advantages of making a donation to the Foundation. When you're ready to begin, simply contact us (217-789-4431 or email us at info@cfll.org) and we'll walk you through the following steps:

1. Choose When to Give
You can create a fund during your lifetime, in your estate plan or through a trust arrangement that benefits your family and favorite charities. Tax deductions are earned at the time of the gift, while grant making continues into the future.

2. Choose What to Give
You can start your fund with almost any kind of asset: cash, publicly traded securities, closely held stock, interests in limited partnerships, real estate or tangible property. Gifts of long-term appreciated property earn tax deductions for their full present market value.

3. Choose a Name
Every grant from your fund carries its name. Many people choose to name their fund for the donor, for the donor's family, or as a memorial to someone special. Of course, you can also remain anonymous.