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.