The Community Foundation Is Here for You
Guest Perspective: Amy Lynch, Board Chair
For a long time, community foundations have filled a unique role in the philanthropic landscape. Donor-advised funds have allowed philanthropists to remain involved in their giving, and designated funds have provided income and security for countless nonprofits. In recent years, however, more and more financial institutions have established charitable arms and started offering donor-advised funds. This begs the question: what is the best philanthropic option for you?
Because the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation serves as a trusted partner to both donors and nonprofits, they have gained a comprehensive knowledge of local philanthropy. Their Development and Grants teams use this knowledge to provide you with insights. When it comes to connecting you to organizations that support causes you care about, the Community Foundation’s local expertise is unparalleled.
The Community Foundation is also in a unique position to connect you to other donors. Often, we think of philanthropy as something to engage in as individuals, forgetting that there are others in our community who would also like to make a difference. The Community Foundation can leverage the ideas and resources of multiple donors to create the largest possible impact.
Once the Community Foundation has helped you set personalized philanthropic goals, their service to you is just beginning. Real-time information can help you see the results of your efforts and the progress toward your goals. Over time, the Community Foundation will also help identify trends in your giving, which is an insight many donors find surprising.
For donors with more complex arrangements like estate planning or security contributions, the Community Foundation is able and willing to work with your professional advisor. In its 70-year history, the Community Foundation has handled nearly every kind of gift in partnership with dozens of area advisors. This has been possible because they keep your best interests in mind and have a passion for preserving your legacy.
As a donor, you will also be able to take comfort in knowing that the Community Foundation will always be here. It is built on a pool of assets that is invested for long-term sustainability, and it continuously works to respond to changing community needs. Through a commitment to both you and the long-term success of our community, the Community Foundation provides philanthropic service you can’t get anywhere else.