We want to help you ensure your philanthropy can go as far as possible.
Since 1996, hundreds of individuals, families, businesses and other organizations have used our expertise to make living here even better for all of our neighbors. We’ll work closely with you to choose the type of fund that best fits your charitable goals, and our staff will ensure that your gift is making the greatest impact.
Are you interested in learning more?
We invite you to fill out our Prospective Partner Form to share a bit more about your philanthropic goals. Someone from our team will follow-up to set up a time to connect!
Donor Advised Fund (DAF)
This is the most hands-on approach, allowing you to be actively involved in giving. You will get a tax-deduction when you establish and add to your DAF, and then you can make distributions to the charitable organizations (locally, nationally, or internationally*) you want to support at your own pace, with support from our professional staff. Donor advised giving is typically less costly and easier to administer than other forms of philanthropic giving, such as private foundations.
More than 85 Donor Advised Funds are currently active at the Community Foundation.
You can establish a non-endowed Donor Advised Fund with a gift of $5000. Endowed Donor Advised Funds require a $10,000 gift.
Connect with our team to learn more>
*International giving is completed through a grant intermediary.
Field of Interest Fund
As the name implies, this type of fund allows you to target a favorite cause or issue without having to name a specific charity. You decide the purpose, such as meeting the needs of children, helping the arts to flourish, or protecting the environment, and the Community Foundation identifies projects and organizations that will most effectively accomplish your interests over time.
Click here to see a listing of the Field of Interest Funds held at the Community Foundation.
Designated Fund
With a designated fund you can provide ongoing support to one or more charitable organizations that are close to your heart.
Click here to see a list of current Designated Funds at WCF.
Scholarship Fund
Establishing a scholarship fund tells students that their community is invested in their potential, their future and their success, helping to remove barriers that stand between deserving young people and the education they need to succeed.
You can set up an endowed scholarship fund with a minimum gift of $25,000.
Click here to see a list of current Scholarship funds.
To learn more about establishing a scholarship fund, please Shannon Elmendorf, Director of Community Resilience & Opportunity, at shannon@whatcomcf.org or call (360) 671.6463.
Whatcom Community Foundation Fund Terms & Conditions
All of the funds started at the Whatcom Community Foundation are subject to the Terms & Conditions laid forth in the organization’s bi-laws, policies, and procedures. These vary some based on whether or not the established fund is endowed or non-endowed at the time of creation.
Our Terms & Conditions can be found at links below:
Terms & Conditions | Endowed Funds
Terms & Conditions | Non-Endowed Funds
Investment Approach & Fees
Click here to learn more about our administrative fees and investment strategy.
To learn more or to set up a meeting, contact Brad Tuininga, Vice President of Philanthropy, at brad@whatcomcf.org or call (360) 671.6463.
“It was great to be part of a real team effort in a time of need in our community. We are so pleased that the donation was able to positively impact so many people. It could not have happened without the foundation. We look forward to many years of assisting those in need in our community!”
– Anonymous Donor
Donor Advised Fund Holder
