When you create a charitable fund through the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland, you have the opportunity to benefit the community forever with a permanent endowment. Your gift is invested over time. Earnings from your fund are used to make grants addressing community needs. Your gift-and future earnings from your gift-is a permanent source of community capital, helping do good work today and in the future.
One gift, many generations. Consider how an endowment gift can grow. If you make a $100,000 gift this year, 15 years from now, the fund you establish will have a balance of $158,000 and will have distributed more than your initial gift amount in grants. In 25 years, your initial gift amount will have been given away twice. And by year 50, your fund will have a balance of $455,000 and will have made cumulative grants of $627,000-a philanthropic rate of return of nearly 1,000 percent in grants and growth. This example assumes a 5 percent annual payout and an 8.5 percent rate of return.
Legacy and stability. Donors who endow their gifts can make a difference in their community during their lifetime and, at the same time, provide a gift that lasts forever. Grants will continue to be made in the name of the fund you establish so that your charitable wishes are preserved, even if an organization receiving grants ceases to exist in the future.
Nonprofit leaders may also look to the Community Foundation to hold their organizations' endowments because they know that having a constant source of funding helps them respond to emergency needs as well as plan for the future and sustain the good work they do.
Expert help. When donors or nonprofit organizations work through the Community Foundation to achieve their charitable goals, they benefit from the expertise of experienced local program staff, community leadership, and investment management. We also can assist you or your organization's donors with planned giving options and support.
Considering an endowment gift?
Contact Us. We are here to help YOU explore your philanthropic passion and opportunities!