Our Philanthropic Services
The Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation is composed of endowed and non-endowed funds, established by those who wish to create a charitable legacy that benefits causes they care about most in our region. We can help establish any of the following funds, as well as many others. Each provides for significant tax advantages in the present with the security of long-term philanthropy. For certain funds, the Charitable IRA Transfer affords an ideal tax-saving mechanism to fund your philanthropy.
To establish, the Foundation accepts various types of assets, including cash and appreciated property, publicly traded stock, closely held stock and/or real estate. The Foundation also accepts deferred or planned charitable gifts including bequests, life insurance, trusts, annuities, retirement accounts, life estates and other options. At your direction, we are pleased to work on your behalf with your attorney, tax professional and/or financial advisor to carry out your wishes.
Donor Advised Funds (DAF)
This is the Foundation’s most flexible and popular fund allowing the donor to make grant recommendations to a broad range of charities. Donors work with the Foundation staff to identify ways to use monies from their funds to address the community needs they care about most. In addition, the funds can be passed on to successor advisors for an unlimited time period, allowing future generations to be involved in funding decisions. Essentially, a DAF looks and feels like your own professionally staffed private foundation, but with better tax benefits, greater flexibility, fewer expenses, and without the worries of accounting and investment management. With a minimum of a $10,000 to establish a Donor Advised Fund, or $50,000 to establish an endowed advised fund, donors advise or recommend grants from their fund to create a lasting, impactful philanthropic legacy.
Designated Funds
Designated Funds offer donors the ability to support specific nonprofit organizations they care deeply about, year after year. When a donor establishes a Designated Fund, they name one or more local or regional charities to receive annual distributions from the fund. With a minimum gift of $25,000, these funds create a dependable source of income for the chosen nonprofits, helping them plan for the future with greater confidence. Designated Funds can be established during the donor’s lifetime or through an estate plan to continue supporting the organizations they love in perpetuity. Foundation staff handle all administrative and investment responsibilities, ensuring the charities receive grants on schedule, even if the original donor is no longer involved. Donors can rest assured knowing their legacy will be faithfully carried out.
Unrestricted Funds
Unrestricted Funds represent a powerful way to give back to the community as a whole. Rather than supporting a single issue or organization, donors allow the Foundation to direct grants from the fund to where they are needed most—now and in the future. These funds are vital for addressing emerging needs, community crises, or unforeseen opportunities. With the oversight of the Foundation’s knowledgeable staff and board, Unrestricted Funds ensure that donor dollars are used strategically and effectively to make the greatest impact. By choosing to establish or contribute to an Unrestricted Fund, donors are investing in the long-term resilience and adaptability of their community, creating a lasting legacy of trust and responsiveness.
Field of Interest Funds
Field of Interest Funds allow donors to support a broad charitable purpose or geographic area that aligns with their passions. Whether it's improving access to education, expanding health and human services, enhancing arts and culture, protecting the environment, or supporting faith-based initiatives, these funds focus on a specific area of concern. Donors define the purpose of the fund at its inception, and the Foundation’s staff then identify and support organizations or projects that match the fund’s goals. This structure offers a perfect balance between donor direction and Foundation expertise.Field of Interest Funds require a minimum of $25,000 to establish. They provide the assurance that grants will always align with the donor’s values, even as specific organizations and community needs evolve over time.
Agency Endowment Funds
Agency Endowment Funds are created by nonprofit organizations themselves to ensure long-term financial sustainability. With a minimum gift of $10,000, an agency can establish an endowed fund with the Foundation, receiving annual distributions to support its operations, programs, or capital needs. These funds offer several advantages to the nonprofit: professional investment management, administrative support, and the credibility that comes with being part of a community foundation’s family of funds. Agencies also benefit from donor confidence, as endowment gifts can be made directly to their fund at the Foundation.Over time, Agency Endowment Funds help nonprofits build permanent resources, enhance financial stability, and signal their commitment to long-term community service.
Non-Endowed Agency Funds
Non-Endowed Agency Funds are an excellent solution for nonprofit organizations with immediate or short-term funding goals. With a minimum opening gift of $100,000, these funds allow agencies to make distributions at their discretion, provided each annual distribution is at least $10,000. Unlike endowed funds, these are not invested for perpetuity, offering greater flexibility for agencies needing access to larger amounts in the near term. The Foundation manages all fund administration and investment oversight, allowing the nonprofit to focus on its mission while still benefiting from the Foundation’s financial stewardship.This fund type is ideal for building reserves, planning for capital projects, or managing bequests and other large gifts.
Scholarship Funds
Scholarship Funds enable donors to invest in the future by supporting deserving students pursuing higher education or specialized training. These funds can be tailored to reflect the donor’s values and interests—such as aiding students from a specific region, school, field of study, or with particular life experiences. A minimum gift of $100,000 is required to establish a Scholarship Fund, and this balance must be maintained to make awards. Scholarships are generally endowed to ensure perpetual support for students year after year. Donors may participate in the selection process by serving on the review committee, creating a rewarding opportunity to witness the real-life impact of their generosity. The Foundation administers the scholarship process, ensuring compliance with all IRS regulations and best practices.
Bridge Fund
The Bridge Fund is an innovative philanthropic tool designed to make charitable giving more accessible to a broader audience. With a minimum gift of just $1,000, donors can establish a fund that comes with the full suite of Foundation services, including grantmaking support, personalized assistance, and access to community knowledge. Bridge Funds function similarly to Donor Advised Funds, with the added flexibility to convert to a formal DAF once the fund reaches the minimum required balance of $10,000. This makes the Bridge Fund ideal for donors at the beginning of their philanthropic journey, those testing the waters of structured giving, or younger individuals looking to establish a legacy of generosity early in life. Donors can recommend grants to local nonprofits and track their impact through the Foundation’s reporting tools—all without the burden of managing investments or compliance. It’s a low-barrier, high-impact way to become an active participant in community change.