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Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro

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.

Highlighting Hispanic and Latinx Communities of Greensboro

From September 15th to October 15th, we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. This is a time to honor the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States. The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro takes pride in the work we do to promote cultural diversity and create an equitable environment for people from all walks of life. We are taking this moment to appreciate the enduring impact of Hispanic and Latinx individuals and to acknowledge the vital role these communities play in shaping our collective identity. We have invited Hispanic and Latinx community leaders from the Greensboro area to share what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them.

“For me, Hispanic Heritage Month is about strengthening community connections and cultural understanding, and I volunteer for two organizations that live these values: Casa Azul of Greensboro and the Greensboro Literary Organization/Greensboro Bound Literary Festival. This fall, Casa Azul is partnering with Greensboro Bound through its Authors Engaging Students to bring Latinx authors to Guilford County Schools and its spring book festival.  More to come on that soon!”

Martin Acevedo
Vice President of Marketing & Communications at CFGG

“Every Hispanic Heritage Month, I am reminded of my family’s journey to America and the invaluable contributions of the more than 1 million Hispanic/Latinos in North Carolina. Together, we can build a more inclusive and thriving community for all.”

José Olivia
Chief of Staff of Guilford County Schools & CFGG Board Member

José Olivia immigrated to the United States as a teenager. He currently serves as chief of staff of Guilford County Schools. He is the first Latino to serve as chief of staff of a large urban school district in North Carolina. In his prior roles, he served on Governor Cooper’s Advisory Council on Hispanic/Latino Affairs, the City of Greensboro International Advisory Committee and was elected the first Latino and youngest student body president of his college.

 

“Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to reflect on my roots. As a CFGG employee, I am cognizant of the experiences of those who came before me, and I aim to honor this within my work.”

Megan Quiñones
Program Officer of Grantmaking Programs at CFGG

 

“Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us that this is a good moment to embrace our differences and to support each other on life’s journey.  I am proud of my Latina and Latin American heritage and celebrate it year-round,”

Kattya Castellón
Entrepreneur, Local Small Business Owner & CFGG Board Member

Kattya is of Nicaraguan descent and is an entrepreneur and small business owner in downtown Greensboro. Prior to this, she worked in higher education at UNCG for 16 years as an Associate Director of Admissions. Part of her role at UNCG was to support Latinx students on campus—many who were first generation college goers. Kattya remains very active in Greensboro’s growing Hispanic/Latinx community as an advocate and volunteer—a passion and purpose that began in Managua and benefits our region today.

Equity Allies Giving Circle Welcomes New Members

A group of Community Foundation donors committed to addressing equity issues in Greensboro has launched the Equity Allies Giving Circle. An outgrowth of the Equity Allies affinity group, founded in 2019, the giving circle focuses on pooling members’ donations to make impact grants that target systemic inequities in Greensboro. Led by Robin Lane, the group includes about 20 Community Foundation donors and meets regularly to learn about and discuss local issues involving social and racial inequities. Circle members are currently exploring the causes and effects of medical debt, particularly on people of color, with a plan to make an initial grant by the end of the year. “We are viewing our work through a justice lens,” Lane said. “We want to address root causes of social and racial inequities, advocating for and funding ideas and programs that go beyond charity.” The circle is open to anyone affiliated with the Community Foundation and welcomes new members, with an initial donation of $2,500 per household required for participation in the leadership, or decision-making, group. Funds can be transferred directly from a CFGG DAF to the Giving Circle fund. For more information, please contact Robin Lane at robin7.lane@gmail.com or at (336) 312-8802. —  Ann Morris