Rockefeller, Carnegie and You
When you think of local philanthropists, you probably think of the rich and famous. Well, think again.

Through a new Community Foundation giving program, you have the opportunity to build up charitable endowments that support annual charitable grants and have extraordinary long term impact.

The Acorn Giving Program helps you harness the power of the financial markets to multiply the value of your contributions over time. All you have to do is make regular contributions. Investing even small amounts regularly will build an endowment that can grow dramatically. There are two options:

1. Establish a new, named fund and build it to $10,000 in 10 years. Grantmaking starts when the fund reaches a minimum of $10,000.

OR

2. Give at least $1,000 annually for 10 years to any existing endowment—and see the impact of your investment more quickly through our ongoing grant programs.

All contributions are tax-deductible and help build a fund that grows over the long-term. The best part is that causes for which you and your family are most passionate will receive support far into the future from the acorn that you plant today.

The Community Foundation provides a simple, powerful, and highly personalized approach to giving back. You can work with us to:

1. Choose a fund that reflects your charitable goals.
You can designate a specific purpose, such as a particular non-profit that you wish to support, or a scholarship program. Or you may opt for a donor-advised, field-of-interest, or unrestricted fund. These options let you take advantage of our knowledge of local needs and opportunities that may vary over time.

2. Express your values publicly—or keep it quiet.
Naming a new fund for your family is a great way to be involved with, and remembered for, your community investment. It may encourage others to be philanthropic, too. All grants are awarded in the name of the fund, so if you choose a named family fund, grantees will know whom to thank. Donors who prefer anonymity may name a new fund for the good that it supports instead, or give to an existing charitable endowment.

3. Stay informed and experience the joys of giving.
We’ll report to you on fund growth and investment performance. Once the fund you support is granting, we’ll let you know about awards from that endowment. If you would like to remain actively involved, you can even recommend where to award grants from year to year. Whatever fund type you choose, we’ll be happy to share information with you about community needs and how grants are making a difference.

Joining Together
By participating in the Acorn Giving program, you can join like-minded people in our community and will benefit by having the Community Foundation as a partner in your giving. We’ll be pleased to invite you to events, recognize your support as an Acorn Giver in various ways, and share information about community needs and high-impact opportunities.

We appreciate the chance to celebrate the spirit of giving that helps our community. Of course, requests for anonymity are always honored. You can choose the level of participation and recognition that is right for you.

For Your Consideration
Acorn Giving requires planning similar to a retirement fund or other investment program. As you devise your Acorn Giving plan, please consider:

1. Which fund you would like to give to; if a new fund, its name and purpose.

2. Your financial situation.

3. How quickly you want to see your dollars go to work in the community.

4. The total fund size or cumulative giving amount you would like to reach.

5. The number and amount of gifts you wish to make per year.

Flexible Payment Options
The Acorn Giving minimum charitable investment is $1000 annually, and payments can be made annually, quarterly ($250 per quarter), or monthly ($83 per month). Contributions may be made via personal check, direct bank account withdrawal or stock gift. If you would like to make a stock gift, please contact Accountant Tom Lovell (812-333-9016 or tom@cfbmc.org). If you prefer to utilize direct withdrawal, Development Director Pete Rhoda is happy to work with you and your financial institution. Another option is online giving. The Community Foundation has teamed up with JustGive.org to provide a safe, secure and private platform by which donors may make online contributions using their Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover credit card. Simply refer to www.communityfoundation.ws, click on Donate Online and follow the prompts.

How Do I Start?
Would you like to learn more about the Acorn Giving Program? The first step towards planting your charitable legacy is to contact the Community Foundation. You can reach President and CEO Shari Woodbury (shari@cfbmc.org) or Development Director Pete Rhoda (pete@cfbmc.org) at 812-333-9016. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you get started.

About the Foundation
A community foundation is a vehicle for people of all means to make a lasting difference in the community causes they care about. Established in 1990, the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County administers more than 150 funds and manages grantmaking programs to benefit the people of our area. It is governed by an active volunteer board of directors and operated by a professional staff. We will always be there to ensure the fund you support fulfills your charitable intent. Our Community Foundation has been recognized for its compliance with the Indiana and national standards for community foundations.