Basic Steps

CBCF 9 Opportunities to Partner 9 Starting a Fund 9 Basic Steps

It is easy to establish your own named charitable fund and it can be done in less than a day. Working with a member of our staff, and your financial advisor if you choose, you will take these simple steps:

First, determine your charitable purpose or intent
Select the type of charitable fund that best supports your purpose. (CBCF staff can outline your options and discuss advantages of each)
Complete a simple governing document. (CBCF staff can guide you to ensure your intentions and instructions are clearly defined)
Select a name for your fund. (Names can be yours or a family member’s, named for a cause you wish to support, or you can remain anonymous)
Depending on the type of fund you establish, you may designate current fund advisors such as yourself and spouse, and successor advisors such as your children. This information will be included in your governing document
Make an establishing gift. Types of contributions you can make include
- Cash
- Securities
- Real Estate
- Insurance
- IRAs and other qualified retirement plans
Receive a tax deduction at the time the fund is established and when additional contributions are made to the fund

Enjoy giving through your fund. Once your fund is established you can:

Add to the fund at any time in any dollar amount
Specify how grant disbursements are to be acknowledged – whether in the name of the fund or anonymously
If you’ve established a donor advised fund you may recommend distributions to charities, locally or throughout the United States

MISSION AND VISION

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

F.A.Q.

Frequently Asked Questions

For Donors

What is the Coastal Bend Community Foundation?

We are one of the largest grant and scholarship providers in South Texas. We hold over $77.3 million in assets, managing 307 charitable funds started by individuals, families, businesses and foundations. From these funds, we have awarded over $115 million in grants and scholarships since 1981.

What geographic area does the Foundation serve?

We serve seven counties in the Coastal Bend region of South Texas – Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio.

Who governs the Foundation?

A 25-member Board of Directors governs us and approves all grant and scholarship distributions from funds. At least two board members serve from each of the seven counties; members are chosen for their leadership and philanthropy in the Coastal Bend; members may serve for up to three, three-year terms.

How do you invest Foundation funds?

We specialize in endowed funds that enable us to make grants and provide scholarships while growing resources over time. To accomplish that, assets are invested for long-term performance. Our board sets investment policies and monitors performance with help from our investment committee and investment manager. Our financials are audited annually by an independent accounting firm.

What is the difference between a private foundation and a community foundation?

A community foundation qualifies as a public charity. This allows donors the maximum tax deduction for gifts and bequests. A private foundation is usually established by an individual or family. A community foundation is what you would have if private foundations got together to pool their assets for investment purposes, reduce overhead, share staff, make grants and address community needs. Many people find investing in a community foundation much less expensive and complicated – there are no excise taxes, no payout requirements, no federal tax returns and no excessive paperwork.

How does the Coastal Bend Community Foundation benefit the community?

The Community Foundation makes grants for the arts to zoology, and most things in between, as well as providing scholarships to students. Grants from unrestricted funds and all scholarships benefit the seven-county Coastal Bend area. Because many of the Foundation’s funds have their own purpose and identity, grants also reflect the charitable intent of the fund donors and may be awarded to organizations outside the Coastal Bend.

How do I make a gift to the Foundation?

Anyone can donate to the Foundation, either today or in the future. One need not be wealthy to make a difference. A current donation can be made online or with a check, a stock transfer, a gift of real estate or other assets. Future gifts can come through a bequest, a charitable trust or other planned-giving vehicle. If you donate $10,000 or more, you can create a named fund and specify the purpose of the fund. Smaller gifts may be added to specific funds, such as a memorial scholarship, or to our community funds for grantmaking. Working with the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, you can have a lasting impact on the quality of life in South Texas – right here, right now and for years to come. For more information on giving or for a copy of the “Policy Regarding Donations to the Foundation” please give us a call at 361-882-9745.

Are donations tax deductible?

Absolutely. The IRS has classified the Coastal Bend Community Foundation as a public charity, so gifts qualify for the most generous tax (income, capital gains and estate) benefits available.

How do Foundation funds work?

All funds must be used for charitable purposes to provide grants to nonprofits or scholarships for students. The majority of our funds are permanent endowments that grow over time and spend only a portion for grants and scholarships each year. Funds share modest administrative expenses on a pro rata basis.

What types of funds can I establish?

The Foundation offers a variety of simple, effective options, including:

Unrestricted funds, which provide the Foundation with the flexibility to respond to the most pressing and often changing needs in our community
Field of Interest funds, which address specific areas you wish to support, such as the arts or a geographic area, while allowing us to select specific nonprofits to receive grants
Designated funds, which let you name one or more specific nonprofit organizations to receive grants
Scholarship funds, which help students pay for their education
Donor advised funds, which let you remain involved by recommending nonprofit organizations to receive grants
Agency Endowments, which enable nonprofit organizations to sustain their organizations

How do I apply for grants or scholarships from the Foundation?

Grant applications from qualifying organizations for the Foundation’s Annual Grants are considered each summer. Scholarships using the online application have a deadline of March 1; individual scholarships have various deadlines. The Scholarship and Grants committees review all applications before making recommendations to the Board of Directors, which has final responsibility for all grants and scholarships. Donors can provide advice on grant awards from certain funds.

How can I get more information about the Coastal Bend Community Foundation?

Ask your attorney, accountant or banker about the Coastal Bend Community Foundation. Our audit and Annual Report are available for your review and you may sign up to receive our Fall Newsletter and Annual Report. The Board of Directors and staff of the Foundation are always available to answer your questions. Please give us a call at 361-882-9745.