Laura McKnight's Page

The top 8 reasons why having a fund is a smart decision:

8. Get the tax deduction now. When you contribute to your fund, you get the tax deduction right away but the flexibility to suggest grants to your favorite nonprofits (any 501(c)(3) in the United States) over time.
Don't have a fund? Set one up online!

7. Manage your fund in your PJ's over a warm cup of cider. It's (really) cold out, so stay inside and manage your fund online when it's convenient for you. Not a computer geek? Call us (816-842-7444)! We're happy to take care of things for you.

6. You can use your fund for Charity Giving Cards. Worried about your holiday shopping? Giving Cards are one size fits all, and work like a retail gift card. Giving Cards can be redeemed to benefit any nonprofit in the U.S. Contact us if you would like to purchase Giving Cards from your fund.
Another option, purchase Giving Cards with your credit card. (If you go this route, you get a tax deduction!)

5. Put your fund on auto pilot. Like other bill pay systems, we can help you set up your fund to receive automatic contributions from your banking account. We can also work with your employer to start a payroll deduction plan. Just say the word. (816-842-7444 or service@gkccf.org)

4. You set the pace. You shouldn't have to worry about remembering to make annual donations to your favorite charities. Charitable giving should be...dare we say it...fun!! Tell us which organizations you want to give to, how much you want to give and how often. We'll send donations on your behalf, or we'll send you checks made payable to the organizations and you can add a personal touch before sending them on their way. (816-842-7444 or service@gkccf.org)
3. A staff of 40. We are here to help, and we can! The Community Foundation staff stands up to its name. We know the community. We leave the grant suggestions to you, but if you want help with your giving, advice on how to become an even smarter investor, or if you want to brainstorm an alternative gift idea, you know how to find us! (Or please refer to #4 above.)

2. Organize your giving. Do all of your charitable giving through your fund (donations to nonprofits, your church, synagogue, alma mater) and say goodbye to the paperwork! We record your grant activity, so you only need one slip of paper at tax time. By doing all your giving in one spot, you will see just how much you give. It's more than you think! To top it all off, we can show you the difference your gifts are making in the community. How cool is that?

And the number 1 reason .... We can help you set up a fund or contribute to an established fund even on the last day of the year.