Unrestricted
Unrestricted funds are not specifically designated for use by a particular agency, cause, or area of interest. Unrestricted funds give the Athens Area Community Foundation the ability to respond to pressing and often changing charitable needs in the community and to ensure resources are available to support the community’s most pressing needs now and in the future. The board of the Athens Area Community Foundation oversees the use of these funds and determines how grants will be distributed.
Donor Advised
Donor Advised Funds allow you to make a gift to the Athens Area Community Foundation and remain actively involved in recommending uses for the gift. You can work with our staff to suggest ongoing uses for the fund. Donor Advised Funds are excellent vehicles for donors to set aside charitable dollars now and distribute them gradually over time. Donors often regard Donor Advised Funds as charitable investment accounts, using a portion of the fund’s income to support their favorite charities annually or as needs arise. Our Donor Advised Fund Handbook describes in detail the guidelines for these funds.
Designated Funds
Donor Designated Funds allow you to provide permanent ongoing support to a specific agency or cause. When establishing a designated fund, specify one or more organizations to receive a regular distribution from the fund in perpetuity. Such funds can be established by an outright gift during the donor’s lifetime or through a planned gift.
Agency Endowment Funds
Agency Endowment Funds are established by nonprofit organizations as a means of providing a perpetual income stream for their own operations and programs. Placing endowment funds at the Athens Area Community Foundation ensures the long-term stewardship and objective fiscal management of a nonprofit’s funds. It also frees nonprofit staff from the burdens of endowment management and reporting so they can focus on fulfilling their mission. When you place your agency’s fund with the Athens Area Community Foundation, it becomes a part of our pool of funds, which is professionally managed using a diversified strategy. We can also assist donors with planned gifts involving complex assets, gift annuities and trust agreements.
Field of Interest Funds
By establishing a Field of Interest Fund you can target your gift to address needs in an area important to you, such as the environment, arts, education, or specific geographic areas in our six-county region. Fundholders may participate in the grantmaking process or utilize the Athens Area Community Foundation’s expertise to identify worthy projects and organizations.
Scholarship Funds
Scholarship Funds can provide scholarship and fellowship grants to individuals including high school, college, and graduate students. These grants enable the recipients to complete an undergraduate or graduate education in the field of their choice at the college or graduate school of their choice. Scholarship Funds may also make grants to students in primary or secondary school to attend various educational programs and to other individuals for vocational or other training.
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