Create a Fund
In whatever manner you’d like to support the Triangle region, Triangle Community Foundation is here to help. We offer many different options for your giving, provide expertise about the needs and challenges in our area, foster purposeful connections, and are committed to strong financial management.
Types of Funds
Donor-advised Funds
Donor-advised funds are established by donors who wish to have the ability to make recommendations as to how all individual grants from the fund are spent. Donor-advised funds are a tax-advantaged, convenient way to organize your personal philanthropy or corporate giving program.
Scholarship Funds
Scholarship funds are established by donors who want to support a student’s growth through educational opportunities or by recognition of success in a particular discipline. Donors may recommend an academic focus for their scholarship fund, eligibility criteria, and often work in committees to choose recipients.
Field-of-Interest Funds
Field-of-interest funds are established to support unspecified programs or organizations in a particular field (such as the arts or the environment) important to the donor. This type of fund serves as a permanent endowment, and the Foundation will carry out the purpose you choose, today and for generations to come. Field-of-Interest funds can utilize your Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).
This is a good fund option to support our Fund for the Triangle in perpetuity.
Designated Funds
Designated funds are established by donors to support one or more specific nonprofit organizations or programs. If a designated organization ceases to exist, the Foundation works with the donor or advisor to identify a similar program that maintains the spirit of the original charitable intent. Designated funds are a great option to utilize your QCD.
Agency Funds
Agency funds are established by nonprofit organizations using their operating reserves or existing endowments to benefit their organizations. These funds allow for access to our professional investment management and planned giving expertise. We believe in a strong local ecosystem of nonprofits, and protecting an organization’s legacy is one of the ways that happens.
Giving Circle Funds
Giving Circles are established by donors who are interested in pooling their charitable dollars to make a greater collective impact in the community. Giving circles have memberships, their own activities and events, and make grants as a group.
Five Simple Steps to Open a Fund
- Contact our development team to discuss your philanthropic goals and identify the best option for you or your organization.
- Complete a fund agreement to name your fund, appoint advisors, and specify causes you wish to support.
- Choose from a range of investment pool options to allow your fund the potential to grow tax-free over time, making even more available for grantmaking.
- Make a charitable gift to establish your fund, and receive a receipt for tax purposes.
- Centralize your charitable giving. Through our online fund management system, you can recommend grants to your favorite nonprofits, access your quarterly statements, and review your gift and grant histories.