At the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, we believe that anyone can be a philanthropist. All you need is a desire to make your community a better place.

Although many people choose to establish a fund to help them support their favorite charitable interests, a number of others opt to support the Community Partnership Fund. From small gifts to large ones, there is a way for everyone to participate in building our community through philanthropy.

No matter which option you select, you’ll know that your dollars are at work where you want them to be.

 
Types of Funds

There are seven types of charitable funds available to support your giving. Choose the one that matches your personal approach to giving and your charitable intent. Our staff is eager to discuss these options with you and to help you select one that matches your giving needs.

Each type of fund described below requires an opening gift of at least $10,000. Some require larger gifts. Because minimums vary by type of fund, please call us at (901) 728-4600 for more information.

Donor-advised funds offer flexibility and convenience. You receive the maximum tax benefit in the year you make a gift. You decide when to recommend grants and to what organizations.

Unrestricted funds always address the community’s highest priorities. You can be assured that your gift will be available for special projects or future needs that cannot be anticipated today. 
 

Field of interest funds are ideal if you wish to support an area of special interest such as education, the arts, health, the environment, animal welfare or a particular geographic area. 
 

Designated funds are for you if you want to support one or more specific nonprofit organizations for a fixed number of years or in perpetuity. 
 

Supporting organizations provide an excellent alternative to a private foundation for donors with charitable assets of $2 million or more. Although a supporting organization is part of the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, it is a separate legal entity with its own board. It qualifies for the preferential tax treatment afforded community foundations.

Scholarship funds provide a permanent source of aid for students. You may designate a fund for a particular school or course of study. 
 

Nonprofit organization endowment funds are initiated by the boards of nonprofit organizations to support their work.