How to Create a Fund

Creating a Fund

Creating a charitable fund at the Community Foundation of Central Illinois is simple, meaningful, and lasting. In just a few easy steps, you can start a personal legacy of giving that reflects your values and supports the causes you care about most.  We have designed a guide to help you through the five simple steps to creating your fund.

Start Your Legacy Today

We’re here to help every step of the way.  Contact Mark Roberts to learn more or begin the process of creating your own fund.

The gift acceptance policy of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois is available upon request. To obtain a copy, please call our office during regular business hours at 309.674.8730.

How to Create a Fund

What impact do you want to make?

You can support a favorite charity, fund scholarships, respond to emerging community needs, or honor a loved one. Whether your goal is specific or broad, we’ll help you create a fund that fulfills your charitable vision.

We offer several types of funds, each customizable to fit your giving goals:

  • Unrestricted Funds – Support the most pressing needs of the community
  • Field of Interest Funds – Focus on areas like education, health, or the arts
  • Donor Advised Funds – Stay actively involved in recommending grants
  • Designated Funds – Benefit one or more specific nonprofits
  • Scholarship Funds – Help students achieve their educational dreams
  • Organizational Endowments – Provide long-term stability for nonprofits

Most funds are established as endowments, which are invested to provide ongoing support while preserving your principal.

A minimum gift of $10,000 is required to establish an endowment fund and $25,000 to establish a scholarship fund.

Your fund’s name will appear on all grants made from it, providing ongoing recognition and honoring your legacy.

Examples include:

  • Name of the individual establishing the fund: John Smith Endowment Fund
  • Name of the couple establishing the fund: John and Jane Smith Endowment Fund
  • Name of the family represented by the donor: Smith Family Endowment Fund
  • Name of a favorite charity or charitable purpose: Central Illinois Healthcare Fund or Central Illinois Fund for the Arts
  • Name of a deceased loved one: John Smith Memorial Endowment Fund

The following methods of giving will help you to create your fund now:

  • Cash
  • Securities
  • Closely Held Stock
  • Real Estate
  • Transfer of A Private Foundation
  • Charitable Lead Trusts

Should you wish to have a fund created at a future time, these methods may be used:

  • Bequests
  • Life Insurance
  • Charitable Remainder Trusts
  • Charitable Gift Annuities

Once you’re ready, we’ll guide you through a simple agreement that outlines your fund’s purpose and how it will be managed. The process typically takes less than an hour.

For More Information, Contact:

Mark Roberts, CEO, Community Foundation of Central Illinois

Email Mark 309.674.8730