Component funds are the foundation’s core building blocks. Each named fund is established through a legal agreement called a Declaration of Gift, which serves as the guiding document for the fund.
The Declaration of Gift is:
- A formal agreement between the donor (or organization) and the Foundation
- A detailed expression of the donor’s intent
- A directive for how the Foundation will manage and steward the fund—now and for generations to come
Field of Interest Funds support grantmaking in specific areas such as health, education, economic development, or the arts. This type of fund allows donors to focus their giving on a cause they care about—without needing to choose a specific nonprofit organization.
For example, a Field of Interest Fund might be established to promote literacy in Adams County. The Foundation then identifies and supports programs that align with that purpose, ensuring the donor’s intent is honored over time.
Designated Funds are established to provide ongoing support to one or more specific nonprofit organizations. They offer donors a straightforward way to achieve their charitable goals by directing funding to the organizations they care about most—now and in the future. Once established, the fund ensures permanent, reliable support for those chosen nonprofits.
Organizational endowments—created by nonprofits to benefit their own operations are also considered forms of Designated Funds, each serving a focused and lasting purpose.
Unrestricted Funds are essential for meeting the evolving needs of the community. These funds are given by donors who have broad philanthropic interests but do not specify a particular recipient. Instead, they entrust the Foundation with the flexibility to direct support where it’s needed most. Unrestricted funds empower the Foundation to respond to emerging challenges, launch new initiatives, and provide grants to organizations and projects that can make a meaningful impact—now and in the future.
Donor Advised Funds are ideal for individuals and families with a range of charitable interests. This type of fund allows donors—and their heirs—to recommend grant recipients annually, offering maximum flexibility without the administrative burden or expense of creating a private foundation.
Grants can be directed to different causes over time, depending on the donor’s priorities. You might choose to support health and education initiatives today, then shift your focus to disaster relief or social services tomorrow—all from the same fund.
This personalized approach to giving makes it easy to respond to changing needs while continuing to support the causes that matter most to you.
Specific guidelines and requirements for Donor Advised Funds will be reviewed with each donor during the fund agreement process.
Scholarship Funds are awards of financial aid for students to further their education.
Variance power allows the Foundation to make necessary adjustments to a fund’s purpose if the original donor restriction becomes outdated, impossible to fulfill, or no longer serves the best interest of the community.
For example, this may occur when:
- A designated nonprofit organization no longer exists
- A fund’s stated purpose is no longer relevant or feasible
- A designated charity becomes ineffective or misaligned with its original mission
In every case, the Foundation is committed to honoring the spirit of the donor’s original intent. Variance power ensures that grants continue to make a meaningful impact—even as organizations change and community needs evolve.
It’s a practical safeguard that benefits both donors and the community, helping charitable gifts remain relevant and effective for generations to come.