Ways To Give
Connecting People with Charitable Initiatives
Donors give to causes they feel passionate about, that has meaning for them and benefits something they value. Since 1983 the Community Foundation has connected people with charitable initiatives that matter. We offer several ways to give whether the goal is to support a favorite nonprofit, honor a loved one or create a personal legacy.
Give what you can afford to give, to something that is meaningful to you, and will benefit those you want to help. The size of the gift does not matter because every gift makes a difference.
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” Pablo Picasso
Funds Managed and Administered by the Community Foundation
The Foundation’s Funds are divided into six categories: unrestricted, field of interest, designated, agency, donor advised and scholarship. Within each grouping, funds may be endowed or non-endowed.
Donations to an endowment fund are meant to be kept in perpetuity with earnings providing annual support for a specific project, cause or organization. The fund is intended to exist forever.
A non-endowed fund makes available all capital for distribution and if fully distributed ceases to exist.
Unrestricted Funds
Unrestricted Funds give the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester the greatest flexibility to address emerging issues because donors place no restriction on how these funds are to be used. In creating unrestricted funds, donors create a legacy that grows and changes as the community’s needs change.
Field of Interest Funds
Field of Interest Funds support a broad area of interest such as Culture, Community Development, Human Concerns, Education, Environment, and Youth. Through competitive grants to organizations working in the fund’s defined area of interest, donors can have lasting impact while providing the Board of Trustees with the flexibility to respond to the changing needs in our community through purpose-driven grantmaking.
Designated Funds
Designated Funds allow donors to support one or more specific nonprofit organizations. Donors may establish a designated fund, ensuring continuous gifts to their favorite charitable organization and perpetuating their charitable goals.
Agency Endowment Funds
Agency Endowment Funds are created by the nonprofit itself to ensure the future of their work or mission. Through an Agency Endowment Fund in the Community Foundation, the nonprofit is assured that its endowment will receive prudent stewardship while providing a lasting source of income.
Donor Advised Funds
Donor Advised Funds support the interests of the donors enabling them to participate in the funding process by suggesting grants to nonprofit organizations. These funds provide convenience and flexibility by allowing donors to support various charitable organizations during their lifetimes and later become a lasting legacy that reflects the donors values forever.
Scholarship Funds
Scholarship Funds (a type of Field of Interest Fund) are established to help outstanding or needy students achieve their educational goals and can be established by companies, organizations, families or individuals. Donors may designate a particular field of study and select eligibility requirements. Scholarship Funds are often used to honor or memorialize a loved one by reflecting their particular interests.
Be A Part of Something Great!
The Community Foundation of Greater Rochester supports local organizations across Rochester Hills, Oakland Township and Rochester. Our grant recipients include green spaces, non-profit organizations, community outreach programs, and more.
Over the years, the Women's Fund has consistently given to the Assistance League of SE MI in support of Assault Survivor Kits. Any time a woman goes to the hospital as the result of reporting an assault, her clothes become evidence. Each Assault Survivor kit provides new clothing and toiletries for survivors of abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault.