Starting a Fund

It's easy to establish a named charitable fund and it can be done in less than a day with these simple steps.  We're happy to work with the donor and the financial advisor to accomplish charitable goals.

  • Determine the charitable purpose or intent
  • Select the type of charitable fund that best supports the donor's purpose.  We'll explain the options and the advantages of each.
  • Complete a simple governing document that will clearly reflection the donor's intentions.  For some funds, the donor will designate current fund advisors such as the donor and spouse and successor advisors which may be children or other family members.
  • Select a name for the fund. It can be a family name or a name that allows the donor to remain anonymous.
  • Make a gift to establish the fund. See the Tip Sheet for the types of contributions.
  • Receive a tax deduction at the time the fund is established and when additional contributions are made to the fund.

 Once the fund is established the donor can enjoy giving through their fund.   

  • Donors may add to the fund at any time in any dollar amount. 
  • Donors may make charitable disbursements in the name of the fund or anonymously. 
  • For donor-advised funds, donors may recommend distributions to charities, locally or throughout the United States.   

 See the following examples:
      Donor-Advised Fund agreement
      Letter of Instruction

If you have questions about establishing a fund, please call us at 864-233-5925 or e-mail
Bob Morris, Debbie Cooper or Denise Sudderth.