Kabrina Shamburger – Page 3 – Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro

Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro: Family Forward NC Certified Employer

Kabrina Shamburger on March 12, 2024

The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro has been named a Family Forward NC Certified Employer by the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation’s (NCEC) Family Forward NC initiative. A Family Forward NC Employer Certification designates employers that offer policies and practices that support the health and well-being of working families and children.

To achieve certification, NCEC looks at employer benefits in the following policy and practice categories:

paid leave and wages,
accommodations for pregnant and breastfeeding workers,
childcare supports,
health and wellness benefits,
and scheduling practices.

“I am proud that my employer, the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, has been designated as a Family Forward Certified Employer because we are a family-friendly workplace,” says Martin Acevedo, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro. “I moved to Greensboro for a job, but I stayed for the quality of life that Greensboro and this job affords me.”

The U.S. is facing a massive talent shortage that will result in a deficit of millions of workers by 2030, and a childcare crisis coupled with lack of supports like paid leave mean pregnant workers and working parents and caregivers—especially women—are disproportionately forced to change jobs or leave the workforce entirely or are unable to rejoin the workforce after giving birth.

“Employers want to attract and retain the best employees, and they want those employees to be happy and healthy,” said Muffy Grant, executive director of the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation. The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro offers the following family-friendly benefits to employees and their families:

Maternity Leave
Lactation/Breastfeeding Accommodations
Parental and Family Leave
Bereavement Leave
Volunteer Involvement
Personal Leave
Jury and Witness Duty Leave
Military Leave
Professional Development Leave
Professional Development
Education Assistance Benefits
SEP (7% ER contribution), 403b
Flex Spending and HRA
STD, LTD, and Life Insurance – 100% Employer Paid
Medical and Dental benefits – 100% Employer Paid
Vision Plan
PTO
Office closes on Fridays at 3pm
Remote Work
Flex Schedules
12 Paid Holidays plus week of July 4^th(17 days annually)

Decades of research have established that children need supportive and supported families and communities to build strong brains, along with health and development on track from birth and high-quality birth-through-age eight learning environments with regular attendance.

“For children, our future workforce, there is a critical window of time for brain development during the earliest years of life. In fact, the first 2,000 days of a child’s life are so defining that by the time that child turns eight, his or her third grade reading outcomes can predict future academic achievement and career success,” Grant said.

Launched in 2018, Family Forward NC is an innovative initiative to improve children’s health and well-being and keep North Carolina’s businesses competitive. It is employer-led change to increase access to research-based, family-friendly practices — big and small — that improve workplace productivity, recruitment, and retention; grow a strong economy; and support children’s healthy development. To date, Family Forward NC has engaged with more than 6,900 employers across North Carolina.

For more information about our employee benefits and culture, visit cfgg.org. For more information about Family Forward NC and the Family Forward NC Employer Certification, visit www.familyforwardnc.com.

Greensboro Housing Loan Fund aims to increase the city’s affordable housing stock

Kabrina Shamburger on February 2, 2024

A new multi-million-dollar loan program for developers aims to increase the number of affordable housing units in Greensboro. The recently launched Greensboro Housing Loan Fund is a public-private partnership that’s been years in the making.

In 2016, a comprehensive study showed that more than 40,000 of the city’s housing units were cost-burdened or unaffordable — families paying more than a third of their income on housing. Four years later, recommendations for a loan fund made their way into the city’s 10-year housing plan: Housing GSO.

Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro President Walker Sanders says the fund targets local developers, incentivizing them to build more workforce units for people who make below the per capita income — teachers, firefighters, police officers — and are unable to afford market-rate units.

“The way communities are addressing those needs is to build into market rate developments affordable rents,” says Sanders. “An example would be a developer wants to build a project with 400 units. They can access this fund with say, they build 300 units at market rate, and 100 of them below market rate. So, it would really be a mixed income housing complex.”

Sanders says the money comes from several sources — the city of Greensboro, Community Foundation, financial institutions, and others — with roughly $21 million launched last month, and a goal to raise an additional $11.5 million. Sanders says there’s a need for some 20,000 new affordable units and that number is likely to grow.

Celebrating Black History Month: Amplifying Black Voices

Kabrina Shamburger on February 1, 2024

As we honor Black History Month, we are proud to amplify the diverse voices and perspectives of our Black and African American team members. Their quotes encapsulate the richness of their experiences, insights, and aspirations, serving as a testament to the invaluable contributions of Black individuals to our organization and the broader community.

In Greensboro, Black history is a considerable part of the beauty of our city, from the courageous acts of civil rights pioneers to the vibrant cultural expressions that continue to shape our identity. Through these quotes, we celebrate the strength, creativity, and resilience of the Black community, inspiring us to reflect on the past, embrace the present, and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

“The footsteps of Black history have literally traveled right through the heart of Greensboro from the Underground Railroad stop on Guilford’s campus to the desegregation of hospitals/public schools, the Greensboro Four, and much more. I feel a strong sense of pride and responsibility to honor and celebrate those that have come before us and paved the way for the Black community here in Greensboro and across the nation”.

-Ericka Woodruff, AP Specialist & ETWI/GAP Program Assistant

“My daddy use to say…” You may have to fight a little more complicated . . . but you can be whatever you put your mind to.”

-Sadie Blue, Building Stronger Neighborhoods

“As a Black first-generation immigrant from Ethiopia, I’m proud to work in a county that holds 9000 people from the 54 African nations-approximately 250 of whom are Ethiopian. ”

-Cathy Knowles, Vice President of Development and Donor Engagement

“I embrace a reflective essence every Black History Month. Always remember the importance of learning from the past to build a bright and vibrant future.”

-Amber Smith, Administrative Assistant, Grants and Community Impact

“The Black community in Greensboro is unique because we have such a rich history. From the Civil War to civil rights, dozens of powerful people, voices, and movements started here in Greensboro. I feel lucky to be a part of an undeniably monumental community.”

-Kabrina Shamburger, Marketing Manager

“It’s so beautiful to be part of a culture with such poise, grace, richness, creativity, and resilience. I am proud of my heritage and make it a priority to show gratitude for those who paved the way.”

-Stephanie Surratt, Communications Specialist and Administrative Assistant, Guilford Nonprofit Consortium

Talking with Your Clients about Philanthropy

Kabrina Shamburger on January 7, 2024

Talking Philanthropy

According to recent studies, 91% of high net worth individuals donate to charitable organizations. By engaging in conversations about philanthropy with your client, you have an opportunity to deepen your relationship and provide comprehensive, unbiased information so they may make good long-term decisions. The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro is here to provide philanthropic resources you need.

When Should Advisors Have a Conversation about Charitable Giving?

Writing or revising a will or trust
Planning for year-end tax strategies
Preparing for the sale of a business or major asset
Planning for retirement
Receiving an inheritance
During annual financial reviews

The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro makes it easy and meaningful to give back to Greensboro. Just ask the hundreds of individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that have partnered with us. Your clients can join in making an immediate and lasting impact by establishing their own fund or giving to one of our existing funds.

Cathy Knowles

VP Development and Donor Engagement

Whether your clients want to give today or in the future, we can help devise a strategy that matches their philanthropic interests.

Benefits of a CFGG Donor Advised Fund

Kabrina Shamburger on January 7, 2024

Knowledge of local organizations. CFGG works with nonprofits in our community every day, and we can provide valuable information to help you plan your philanthropy.

Simplified Recordkeeping. We keep track of your donations, providing timely gift acknowledgments, and we utilize professional money managers for endowed assets. Statement access is provided securely online.

Tax Timing Advantages. From a tax perspective, it may make sense to make larger charitable contributions in some years more than in others. With a donor-advised fund, you can make contributions in years when it’s more tax advantageous, and then make charitable distributions in subsequent years- without having to add to the fund each year.

Fast and Easy Set-up. A non-endowed donor-advised fund can be opened in a day with a simple one-page agreement and an initial gift of $10,000 or more. An endowed donor-advised fund is established with an agreement and can be set up in a few days with an initial gift of at least $25,000.

Modest Fees. A donor-advised fund is typically less costly and easier to administer than other forms of organized giving, such as family or corporate foundations.

Make Charitable Grants Anonymously. If desired, you can make grants anonymously on a grant-by-grant basis.

Avoid Capital Gains Taxes on Appreciated Securities. If you have stocks or bonds purchased more than a year ago that are worth more now than when you bought them; you will not have to pay capital gains taxes on the earnings if you gift them to the Foundation.

Give Strategically. You can choose to partner with the Foundation to fund Community Grants in a variety of areas to strengthen the community.

Grow Your Giving Capacity. When you open a donor-advised fund, your initial gift can grow significantly over time, and all growth in the fund is tax-free.

Make a Difference in Perpetuity. You can name a second generation of advisors to a donor-advised fund.

Explore Fund Types at the Community Foundation

Kabrina Shamburger on January 7, 2024

The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro offers a wide variety of giving vehicles, making it easy for you to support your favorite organizations and causes during your lifetime and after. Here are some options you might consider:

Donor Advised Funds give donors simplicity and flexibility in their giving and tax planning.

You make contributions to your fund and recommend grants to qualifying charities; the fund operates like a “charitable checking account” but is invested in the foundation’s long-term investment pool, unless advised otherwise.
You receive an immediate tax deduction whenever you add assets (cash or non-cash assets) and pay no tax on the fund’s future earnings.
You can let the fund grow until you are ready to recommend grants without being obligated to make a minimum distribution.
You may manage your grantmaking online and access historical reports on gifts, grants, and performance of your fund.
You may create a tradition of giving by naming future generations as successor advisors.
You can continue your support in perpetuity if you choose to endow your fund.
All financial reporting is done by the Community Foundation.

Special Interest Funds allow you to support your favorite non-profit organization, school, or religious institution in perpetuity.

This is an endowed fund – you are creating a permanent charitable legacy.
The organization receives the benefit of endowed funds but isn’t burdened with the management and record-keeping requirements.
Your fund will be invested in our long-term investment pool, minimizing fund costs and improving efficiency; the fund’s earnings will provide the grantmaking resources to the designated institution.
You receive an immediate tax deduction on all your contributions, and the Community Foundation provides all necessary administrative and record-keeping services.
If the beneficiary organization ceases to exist, loses its tax-exempt status, or changes its mission, the Community Foundation can redirect support for a purpose as close as possible to your original intentions.

Field of Interest Funds let you support your favorite cause or need in the community in perpetuity. You identify the area of focus and entrust the Community Foundation with the responsibility of selecting specific recipients of grants from your fund. By doing so, your gift is flexible enough to meet changing community needs.

This is an endowed fund – you are creating a permanent charitable legacy.
Your fund will be invested in our long-term investment pool, minimizing fund costs and improving efficiency; the fund’s earnings will provide the grantmaking resources.
You receive an immediate tax deduction on all your contributions, and the Community Foundation provides all administrative and record-keeping services.
You are able to tap the Community Foundation’s expertise in program areas to make the most impactful grants to target your issue.

Unrestricted Discretionary Funds give the Community Foundation the ability to take on forward-thinking projects as the needs arise across Greensboro.

This is an endowed fund – you are creating a permanent, named charitable legacy.
Your fund will be invested in our long-term investment pool, minimizing fund costs and improving efficiency; the fund’s earnings will provide the grantmaking resources.
The Community Foundation’s staff and Board of Trustees have been at the forefront of addressing community needs through thoughtful, well-researched local initiatives; this type of fund provides a cornerstone for our civic leadership.
You receive an immediate tax deduction on all your contributions and all necessary administrative and record-keeping services are handled by the Community Foundation.
You join some of the most notable philanthropists in Greensboro as change agents for our community, and your giving will be magnified by the collective power of other unrestricted gifts, allowing the Community Foundation to leverage its impact.

Legacy Funds can be used to fulfill a broad array of charitable, community, or estate-planning interests.

These funds can be endowed or time-specific.
Your fund will be invested in accordance with its charitable interest.
You receive an immediate tax deduction on all your contributions and all necessary administrative and record-keeping services are handled by the Community Foundation.

IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution

Kabrina Shamburger on January 7, 2024

The IRA Charitable Rollover provision allows individuals who have reached age 72 to donate up to $100,000 per year to eligible charitable organizations directly from their Individual Retirement Account (IRA) without treating the distribution as taxable income. These gifts can be used to meet the donor’s required minimum distribution. Individuals may exclude this income from their gross income on their Federal income tax return.

During your lifetime, gifts from your IRA can be given to many funds at CFGG, including community endowment funds, scholarship funds, organizational endowments, and field of interest funds. The IRS does not allow QCDs to be made to a Donor-Advised Fund. Contact us for a complete list of funds available.

It’s easy to make an IRA rollover gift. Contact your IRA plan administrator to transfer your gift amount to CFGG (56-1380249), then contact your development team at development@cfgg.org to let us know which fund you would like to support.

Please consult with your professional advisors to determine if an IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution may be a viable option for you.

*Before 12/31/19, the age for distribution was 70.5.

5 Heartwarming Ways to Include Charitable Giving in Your Holiday Gift List

Kabrina Shamburger on December 5, 2023

The holiday season is not only a time for festive decorations and exchanging gifts but also an opportunity to spread joy and make a positive impact on those in need. This year, consider incorporating charitable giving into your holiday gift list to bring warmth to both your loved ones and the wider community. Here are five heartwarming ways to add a touch of generosity to your holiday celebrations:

1. Gift a Donation in Their Name:

Instead of traditional presents, consider making a donation to a charitable organization in the name of your friends or family. Choose a cause that aligns with their values, whether it’s supporting education, healthcare, or environmental initiatives. You’ll be giving a gift that keeps on giving, making a difference in the world on behalf of your loved ones.

2. Shop with Purpose:

Opt for gifts from businesses that support charitable causes. Many companies offer products where a portion of the proceeds goes to nonprofits. Look for brands with a commitment to social responsibility, and your holiday shopping becomes a double gift – a thoughtful present for your recipient and a contribution to a good cause.

3. Volunteer Together:

The gift of time can be just as valuable as material presents. Consider organizing a volunteer day with your friends or family. Choose a local charity or community project and spend a day making a direct impact. Not only will you be giving back, but you’ll also create lasting memories and strengthen your bonds with loved ones.

4. Charity Gift Cards:

Gift cards are a popular choice, but why not make them more meaningful? Choose charity gift cards that allow the recipient to donate to their favorite cause. It gives them the flexibility to support a nonprofit that resonates with them personally, turning the gift card into a powerful tool for positive change.

5. Create a Charitable Wishlist:

Encourage your loved ones to create a charitable wishlist alongside their traditional one. Many nonprofits offer platforms where individuals can list specific items or services they need. Share these wishlists with friends and family, giving them the opportunity to make a direct impact by fulfilling these needs in the name of holiday giving.

By incorporating charitable giving into your holiday traditions, you not only spread joy but also contribute to the spirit of giving back. Whether through donations, volunteering, or purpose-driven shopping, these heartwarming gestures add an extra layer of meaning to the season of generosity. This holiday, let the spirit of giving shine bright in every gift you share.