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How Can You Create a Fund?

Whether your interests are in the arts, education, health care, the elderly, youth, the environment or human services, the Cape Coral Community Foundation can connect you with the most important issues and needs of our community, and help you realize your philanthropic goals.

A community foundation is a unique way to make a difference. Since 1973, the Cape Coral Community Foundation has been making the important connection between individuals personal memories, passions and dreams, and the fulfillment of their charitable goals. The Foundation identifies and screens a collection of deserving 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and helps make a connection between potential donors and these groups.

How much money does it take to start a fund?

The minimum contribution to establish a Named Fund is $5,000. Thereafter, you may add at any time in any amount.

What happens to my fund?

Donations to your fund become part of our permanently endowed funds, continuing to benefit the community in perpetuity. These funds are carefully invested, and every year income from the investments is distributed through grants to nonprofit agencies serving the greater Cape Coral community. Grants can be made in the name of your fund or they may be given anonymously. These endowed funds should be looked at as a savings account for our community. The principal is never touched; only the income is distributed. You can make a difference.

The income from your fund creates a lasting legacy that addresses Cape Coral's needs of today and its challenges of tomorrow. Your contribution establishes a tradition of philanthropy and develops community capital to improve the community's quality of life now and well into the future.

I want to make my Cape Coral Connection. How do I get started?

To begin to process of giving, just contact our Foundation staff. You may know precisely which organizations you want to support, or you may need help with your selections. In either case, we can help you shape a grant-making program that fits your needs and carries out your charitable intent forever. Let us show you just how easy, flexible and effective your charitable giving can be, and how you can make a real difference by giving something back to our community.

Creating a Fund is as easy as 1-2-3:

1-Choose the Name of Your Fund

Most of our funds are named for the donor, the donor's family or in memory of someone special. It's a great way to make your name or theirs part of the legacy of giving.

2-Decide What to Give

Almost any kind of asset can be used to start your fund, including cash, publicly traded securities, closely held stock, real estate, life insurance, tangible personal property and private foundation assets. We can also discuss other options with you, such as bequests, charitable remainder trusts and charitable lead trusts.

3-Choose a Type of Fund

Unrestricted Funds
An Unrestricted Fund gives the Cape Coral Community Foundation the greatest flexibility to assess the ever-changing needs in our community and those agencies addressing them most effectively.

Field of Interest Funds
Field of Interest Funds are used by the community in areas of interest specified by the donors. Donors may support a broad area of interest, such as the arts, education, health, recreation, human services or youth. Or, donors may be more specific in their choices

Designated Funds
Designated Funds support specific charitable organizations identified by the donor.

Donor Advised Funds
Donor advised funds are established by donors who wish to actively participate in the grant-making process. Donors make recommendations of charitable projects or organizations they wish to support and work closely with the Foundation staff. A donor advised fund is an easy way to give to multiple nonprofits.

Scholarship Funds
Scholarship Funds may be designated to support any level of education. You may designate a particular school, university or field of study.

Organization Endowment Funds
Charitable organizations have placed endowment funds with the Cape Coral Community Foundation. If these particular organizations are of interest to you, you may add their funds at any time.

Administrative Fund
The Cape Coral Community Foundation has established a permanent operating fund to support the ongoing administrative needs of The Foundation. A gift of any size is welcomed.