Donor Information

Donor Benefits

Simplicity
Because the legal apparatus is already in place, community foundations have appropriate forms available so that a fund can be established and the tax advantages obtained quickly and easily.

Tax Benefits of Cash
The federal tax code provides significant incentives for contributions to a community foundation. Gifts during the donor's lifetime are deductible to the maximum extent permissible under current tax law - for gifts of cash, an amount equal to 50 percent of adjusted gross income (and if in any year the donations exceed the percentage limitations, the excess may be carried over for the next five years).

Tax Benefits of Stock and Appreciated Assets
There is also a significant benefit in the deductibility of gifts of certain appreciated assets. The full, fair market value of such gifts (long-term capital gain assets such as stocks and bonds, real estate or personal property) is deductible up to 30 percent of adjusted gross income with some carry over privileges. The donor can deduct the full-appreciated value and avoids capital gains taxes.

Professional Management
The Foundation's professional staff and voluntary community board of directors provide careful administration. Staff is available to answer questions, identify community needs and screen grant requests.

Perpetuity
The funds will serve the community now and in the future because only the earnings (of the endowment funds) are spent. Additions can be made to the funds at any time.

Investment Security
The Fond du Lac Area Foundation shares a joint stewardship role with its trustee banks: US Bank and National Exchange Bank and Trust. The Foundation Board of Directors sets investment policy and monitors performance. New gifts and market appreciation are added to the endowment.

Flexibility
If the donor's intended use of a gift should ever become obsolete, the Board of Directors of the Foundation will strive to find a successor purpose or organization which as closely as possible resembles the donor's original intention.

Public Accountability
Yearly auditing by Huberty & Associates, publishing of an Annual Report, and careful selection of board members assure continued use of funds to best serve the community.

Fond du Lac Area Foundation

Phone: (920) 921-2215
Fax: (920) 921-1036
384 N. Main Street - Suite 4
Fond du Lac, WI 54935