How it Works

Working with our staff, and your financial advisor if you choose, you will take these simple steps:

First, determine your charitable purpose or intent
Select the type of charitable fund that best supports your purpose. Our staff will outline your options and discuss advantages of each
Complete a simple fund agreement. Our staff will draft and individualize the document that makes your intentions clear
Select a name for your fund. You can use your name, the name of a family member, or the name of a favorite cause--or choose a name that allows you to remain anonymous
Depending on the type of fund you establish, you may designate current fund advisors such as yourself and spouse, and successor advisors such as your children
Make an establishing gift. See Ways To Give for the types of contributions you can make
Receive a tax deduction at the time the fund is established and when additional contributions are made to the fund
Complete the Endow Iowa 25% State Tax Credit application on gifts to an endowment fund

Once your fund is established, you can:

Add to the fund at any time in any dollar amount
Specify how grant disbursements are to be acknowledged—whether in the name of the fund or anonymously
If you’ve established a donor-advised fund, you may recommend distributions to charities that meet IRS standards of accountability

For more information about establishing a fund, please contact our Donor Services staff at 563.588.2700.