“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive." Howard Thurman

Here are a few ideas to help the process and to help you clarify your giving goals.

Talk with your family first.  Spend some important time discussing your family values and your charitable objectives.

What do you want to accomplish and when do you want to do it?

Who do you want to help?

How involved in the actual giving do you want to be?

Would you prefer to remain anonymous or would you like to be recognized and thanked? 

Do you want your children to be involved?  How about their children?

Timing of your grants is important.
Do you want your gift to be a permanent, growing endowment or do you prefer to give your entire gift now to the organizations of your choice?

Talk with your financial advisor about setting up a planned gift that will benefit your current financial situation and/or your eventual estate.

Call the Community Foundation for information and recommendations regarding organizations whose mission meets your interests.

With a simple agreement, and a fund deposit, or transfer of appreciated stock or property, you will become a foundation fund holder and a community philanthropist! 

Let your imagination free. Do something bold and lasting. Give your community the gift of your deepest values.