Community foundations are not-for-profit organisations that make strategic giving easy and accessible. Read on for five ways that you can get more out of your charitable giving with a community foundation.

1. Give now, decide later

Establishing a fund through a community foundation enables you to separate the ‘transaction date’ of your donations from your ‘decision date’.

When you make a tax-deductible donation into your fund, you receive a tax deduction immediately. The next step in the process – deciding on the organisations you’d like to direct your donation to – can happen at a time that suits you. With guidance from expert staff, you can take the time to consider which causes and charities you’d like to support. 

Meanwhile, your money is invested to grow. At Australian Communities Foundation, all pooled funds are ethically invested, meaning your money does good even before it is granted out.

2. Philanthropic expertise

When you give through a community foundation, you gain the support of deep philanthropic expertise. 

Not only do community foundations have a current understanding of local needs and opportunities, they can also help you think strategically and innovatively about your grantmaking. When you make strategic decisions about your giving you can increase the effectiveness and impact of your charitable contribution. 

3. Build a legacy

Community foundations help donors build a lasting legacy. Whether it’s creating a meaningful family legacy that future generations can be part of or ensuring your favourite cause receives support beyond your lifetime, using a community foundation means your contribution is held in trust, creating a sustainable source of funding for the causes and organisations you care about most.

4. Engage others in your giving

The flexibility in the community foundation model means that you can engage others in your giving. With opportunities for collective giving, businesses can enhance the engagement of staff, clients, stakeholders, and supporters, and extend their brand and identity.

5. Be part of a community

At its heart, a community foundation is a community of givers. When you establish your own fund through a community foundation, you join a vibrant community and gain access to events, connections to likeminded donors, and regular giving inspiration and ideas aligned with your interest areas.

Ready to give? Here’s how

Ready to start giving through a community foundation? Chat with a member of our team about how Australian Communities Foundation can support you. Learn more