The community foundation idea is simple: anyone may use the foundation to give something back to the community. Assets that you donate to the Foundation create one of several types of funds to support your charitable goals. The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation offers a full menu of planned giving options to tailor your gift. You can create a fund in honor of someone you love or to celebrate a special event. You can direct your gift broadly or narrowly to issues you care about or to wherever the needs are greatest. However you give, your gift can change lives—today and in the future. We use professionals to invest and manage our assets. Our board is made up of local citizens who know the community, and our staff can help you create a gift that makes the difference you want. We offer you power and flexibility in charitable giving without the legal paperwork, time and expenses associated with running your own private foundation. We can help you set up a fund that will maximize both your tax advantages and your impact in the community—now and forever.

Seven Easy Steps to Philanthropy

• Discuss your overall philanthropic goals with your family members and legal or tax advisors.
• Decide how much you want to give.
• Determine the causes and/or organizations that will benefit from your donations to meet the goals you support.
• Meet with the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation to discuss your plan. Ask questions, explore the different gift vehicles available to you and review the documents needed to implement your plan.
• Share the documents with your family and your professional advisors.
• Transfer your gift to the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation.
• Review the Foundation's confirmation of your completed gift and the ongoing progress of grants that are awarded from your fund.