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Open a FundHow to Open a Fund

Ready to Make a Difference?
You’re in the Right Place.

On behalf of everyone at Bainbridge Community Foundation (BCF), thank you for considering us as your philanthropic partner and advisor. If you'd like to explore opening a Bainbridge Community Foundation fund to foster quality of life on Bainbridge Island, here's how to get started.

First, get the information you need. We truly enjoy talking to prospective donors and answering every question you may have — without the uncomfortable sales pitch. If an in-person or over-the-phone conversation appeals to you, give us a call or stop by our office. Respecting your time and busy schedule, we'll answer your questions and gather information about your charitable goals, personal values, and financial considerations. If you prefer to research on your own (we understand!) considering downloading and reading our New Fund Packet. Then let us know you'd like to find out more.
 

Next, we create your giving plan. We recommend giving vehicles that will achieve your specific philanthropic goals and match your preferences on a range of issues such as level of involvement, disbursement timing, and tax reporting. At this stage in the process we work collaboratively with you and your professional advisors (attorneys, accountants, financial advisors). We pride ourselves on providing personalized plans for every individual, family, and business. The specifics:

  1. After consulting with your tax advisor, contact us to receive the Donor Designated and Donor Advised Fund Agreement form and review our General Fund Terms and Conditions. This form is a legal document that specifies your wishes with regard to the fund name, terms of distribution, and successor advisors in the context of the foundation's established policies.
  2. Once complete, submit the form to the foundation and make the appropriate gift(s) to establish the fund's value.
  3. Following the acceptance of the gift, the foundation returns copies of the signed agreement to the donor along with a welcome packet containing more information about grant recommendations and ongoing account activity.
  4. The new fund is typically eligible for making outgoing grants within 1-2 weeks of the foundation’s receipt of the original gift and signed agreement.

Then we celebrate and nurture our collaboration. When you work with us, you become our partner in community building. We keep you informed about your assets and the positive impact your gifts make in our community. We invite you to join us at events to meet other Island philanthropists and community leaders. We share timely and topical news alerts in your preferred format, whether e-mail, Facebook, phone, or meetings. Our services are responsive, respectful, innovative, and inspiring. We look forward to building a lasting relationship with you. Please stop by our office or call us at 206-842-0433.