Leaving A Legacy
Creating an endowment is one of the most powerful ways to care for the causes, places, and neighbors you love—for generations to come.
Think of an endowment as a permanent gift that keeps on giving. Instead of being spent all at once, your donation is invested so it can grow. Each year, the earnings generate a steady, dependable flow of funding to support local nonprofits, community initiatives, or your family’s charitable goals.
Whether you are an individual wanting to give back to your hometown or a nonprofit looking to secure your long-term future, an endowment turns today’s generosity into tomorrow’s security. Plus, gifts to qualified community funds may qualify for additional benefits, like the Endow Iowa Tax Credit.
Decide what causes or organizations matter most to you.
We’ll guide you through tailoring a personalized fund that fits your giving goals and financial plan.
Watch your gift go to work immediately, knowing it will continue enriching our community forever.
Let us assist with establishing a fund tailored to fulfill your goals.
For individuals and families, charitable giving funds provide an opportunity to magnify your impact for the causes you care about.
For nonprofit organizations, establishing an endowment in support of your mission offers your donors a way to support your agencies needs today and in the future.
The Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program was created by the Iowa Legislature in 2003 to encourage philanthropy for the benefit of Iowa citizens. The program includes a tax incentive program administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority. By applying for the Endow Iowa Tax Credits, individuals, businesses and financial institutions can receive a State of Iowa tax credit equal to 25% of their eligible donations to a permanently endowed fund at a qualified community foundation or affiliate foundation (including the Community Foundation of Hancock County). This Iowa tax credit is in addition to normal federal charitable deductions. Please note: A donor may not take both a state charitable deduction and receive the state tax credit for the same donation. Tax credits are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with $6 million available annually statewide.
Endow Iowa strengthens and endorses the importance of philanthropy and encourages all Iowans to invest in their communities through endowment funds. These funds are permanent resources that build the capacity for communities to become self-sufficient by providing financial support to charitable projects and community betterment programs now and in the future.
It encourages leaders to mobilize community organizations and encourage charitable contributions. More than 1,500 Iowa leaders are engaged in the community foundation movement annually.
Wealth often leaves Iowa’s communities and counties because there were no vehicles in place to receive gifts. Endow Iowa creates and provides the tools and vehicles to create endowment funds while strengthening existing community foundations. It is a low-cost way to positively impact Iowa forever.
The Community Foundation of Hancock County offers endowments for individuals/families and 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organizations.
Organize and maximize your giving with the flexibility and convenience to support the causes that you care about whenever you choose. This simple, powerful and personalized charitable giving fund offers the opportunity for you to organize and maximize your giving.
Providing support to organizations and communities that you have invested in for years ensures continued success in the positive impact that is being made. A designated fund provides you with the opportunity to ensure future support to a specific nonprofit organization.
Whether you have a heart and passion for supporting youth, arts and education or the environment, a field of interest fund supports these passions and ensures that your charitable giving dollars will support these causes today and well into the future.
A legacy fund with the Community Foundation of Hancock County provides you with an opportunity to make a difference for generations to come by including your charitable giving in your will or estate plans.
Established by groups, organizations or businesses who want to come together to make grants to causes they care about, Committee Advised Funds help make an impact in our community through collective charitable giving.
These funds may be used for general operations or specific projects, and the fund may be closed when no longer needed.
Permanent funds for the sustainability of your organization.
If you wish to start a new fund, please select the fund type and download the fund template to review the information we will need to process fund application. Please submit your new fund information to hancockcounty@desmoinesfoundation.org.
Our board of directors is always ready to help each donor choose the best giving option for them. We understand there are lots of options, and we want to help you choose what fits best with your goals. Fill out the form here, or contact us using our other channels to get started on your legacy!
