"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

Eleanor Roosevelt

Crown Point Community Foundation works with donors to make dreams come true! Each community foundation works with clients to create the perfect endowment fund that will support their charitable causes into perpetuity. Donors can choose from several fund categories. A gift of $5,000 will create the fund.

The foundation helps to ensure that the donors' dreams and wishes are realized. Donors can establish funds in many different ways.

Ways to give

Cash n donors can create a fund immediately with a gift of $5,000 by cash or check. The foundation also has the flexibility to assist donors in creating endowment funds through a "pledge" payment plan.

Stocks or securities n The foundation can accept gifts of stock. It is in the donors' best interest to "gift" the actual stock to the foundation. The Foundation the sells the stock to create the endowment fund. By donating the stock to the foundation, a tax exempt public charity, the donor realizes the greatest tax benefit.

Real estate or property n The foundation is prepared to work with clients that would like to create an endowment fund with real estate, farm land, or tangible property.

Wills and bequests n As families work with their professional advisors to plan for their future and the legacy they want to leave behind, a portion of their estate can be used to create an endowment fund. Over time, their fund will distribute grants to the named charities forever. It is a very simple process. The words "I give or bequeath to the Crown Point Community Foundation, 213 South Court Street, Crown Point, Indiana _____ % or the sum of $ _____ of my residuary estate" just need to be included in your will.

Life Insurance n Name the Crown Point Community Foundation as the beneficiary of a policy.

There are many other planned gifts that will benefit an individual's financial situation and, at the same time, help their community. Planned gifts, such as charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts, are two more options.

The foundation always encourages prospective donors to consult with their professional advisors, attorneys and financial planners when considering creating a planned gift now or in the future. We want to ensure that the charitable gift is the best crafted gift for you. By working together, a donor can realize the advantages of creating a fund that will be good for them and good for the charities the donor wants to support.

Contact Pat Huber at the Crown Point Community Foundation office to learn more about the ways endowment funds impact the communities it serves. The Crown Point Community Foundation is a resource serving donors and charitable organizations alike. Remember:

Patricia Huber is president and executive director of the Crown Point Community Foundation. She can be reached at (219) 662-7252 or cpcf@sbcglobal.net. The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer