We want to partner with you to help your philanthropy reach 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)
A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is a simple and flexible way to manage your charitable giving. You make an initial contribution — which qualifies for an immediate tax deduction — and then recommend grants to your favorite nonprofits at your own pace, with full support from the Whatcom Community Foundation’s professional staff. A DAF is easier and less costly to set up than a private foundation, and you’ll have secure, 24/7 online access to manage your fund, track your giving, and explore new giving opportunities. You’ll also have the option to engage more deeply through community events, nonprofit site visits, donor networks, and other opportunities to expand your philanthropic impact.
Today, there are more than 100 active Donor Advised Funds 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.
*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.
Designated Fund
A Designated Fund at the Whatcom Community Foundation provides lasting support for a nonprofit organization that matters to you. You choose the organization (or organizations) you wish to benefit, and we take care of the investing, administration, and annual grant distributions.
In most cases, your fund is a permanent endowment, designed for long-term growth, with a portion distributed each year to ensure steady, ongoing support. Even if the organization you name changes or closes in the future, the Community Foundation will carefully redirect your support to a nonprofit with a similar mission, honoring your original intent for generations to come.
Nonprofit Agency (Endowment) Fund
A Nonprofit Agency Fund is held on behalf of a local nonprofit organization.
Establishing a Nonprofit Agency Fund at the Whatcom Community Foundation helps your organization build a stable, long-term source of support for your programs and operations. Your fund is invested for growth, with a portion distributed annually to your organization, providing a reliable funding stream for the future. By partnering with the Community Foundation, you can focus on your mission while we handle the investing and administration, giving you access to professional investment management within a large, diversified portfolio. It’s a smart step toward safeguarding your assets and strengthening your financial sustainability.
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.
To learn more about establishing a scholarship fund, please contact Shannon Elmendorf, Director of Community Resilience & Opportunity, at shannon@whatcomcf.org.
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.
“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
Advised Fundholder
