Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro

Talking with Your Clients about Philanthropy

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

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

  1. 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.

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

  1. 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.

  1. 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

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

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

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.


The Season for Giving Thanks!

We want to Thank you!

We want to extend a special Thank you to all of our dedicated volunteers, board and committee members, fundholders, and donors! Without the efforts that all of you put forth, our work would not be possible.

Community Foundation Making Grants of up to $2,500 to Feed the Community

The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro has announced a seasonal grants program to support nonprofit organizations that help feed the community on Thanksgiving. These grants will provide essential support to groups that are hosting free community meals open to the public, distributing food for individuals and families to prepare at home, or delivering meals to those who are homebound on Thanksgiving day. 

The Thanksgiving Fund is accepting applications now through the Community Foundation’s Online Grant Portal, and the deadline is Tuesday, October 31st at 11:59 pm. The funds may be used for food, supplies, and other costs associated with Thanksgiving initiatives. 

To be eligible for these grants, organizations must have 501(c)3 status, be located in Guilford County, and provide services in Guilford County. Priority will be given to projects that provide food or meals to those experiencing homelessness, people whose incomes are below the federal poverty threshold, and older adults in Greensboro. For a complete list of eligibility requirements, please visit cfgg.org. 

The Community Foundation’s Thanksgiving Fund was created in 2011 with the purpose of serving meals on Thanksgiving Day to community members. To date, $150,000 has been contributed to the fund to support this important initiative with thousands of meals provided throughout the region. 

To apply for the Thanksgiving Fund Grant, visit Thanksgiving Fund Grant Application

Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro: Celebrating 40 Years

The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro is celebrating 40 years! Our team was excited to commemorate the 40 years of lasting impact made throughout Greensboro. We wanted to connect with the community to learn about the varying views of the people who make up our diverse community. Over the summer, we spent three days around downtown Greensboro interviewing people about what Greensboro means for them and how they want to see our community grow.  With the help of Twin City Media, we set out to capture 28 interviews with 47 influential people from every corner of Greensboro who are deeply committed to making our city a better place for all. We asked everyone five questions to gain insights into their perspectives, motivations, and aspirations for Greensboro.  As we discussed their aspirations for the city, the leaders painted a vivid picture of their vision for Greensboro’s future. Many highlighted the importance of bolstering educational opportunities for all residents and bridging gaps in access to essential resources. They are determined to see Greensboro as a thriving hub for culture and creativity, where the arts flourish and innovation is celebrated. Moreover, they envision a city where everyone feels valued, included, and connected, regardless of background.  These interviews with our community leaders showcase the passion, dedication, and vision that collectively shape Greensboro’s future. Their commitment to philanthropy and the nonprofit sector reflects the city’s enduring spirit of generosity and unity. Together, they inspire us to envision a brighter, more inclusive Greensboro, a place where dreams are nurtured, opportunities abound, and the community thrives.  Watch this inspiring video filmed and produced by Twin City Media featuring CFGG Communications Specialist, Stephanie Surratt.
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