Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you are a professional advisor, a Community Foundation Fundholder or a nonprofit organization, we’re here to answer your questions about philanthropy through the Community Foundation.

Below you will find answers to our frequently asked questions.

FAQ for Fundholders

FAQ for Advisors

FAQ for Nonprofits

FAQ for Fundholders

Q. How do I give through the Community Foundation of Broward?

A. You can start your philanthropy immediately with a gift to the Community Foundation or you can plan for future giving through your estate.

Immediate giving — You can start your philanthropy right away by establishing a charitable fund at the Foundation. You name the fund. You decide how its grants will be directed by creating a fund agreement with the Foundation. You get personalized service from a Charitable Funds Manager who ensures that your fund supports philanthropy that reflects your passions, values and goals. As a Fundholder, you are invited to participate in Foundation events that keep you informed about Broward’s big issues and connect you to other local philanthropists.
Future giving — If you are interested in giving through your estate, you can create a future giving plan with the Foundation. You name the Foundation as a beneficiary in your will, trust, insurance policy or retirement plan. You can join our Legacy Society, which is invited to Foundation events that keep members informed about Broward’s big issues and connects them to other local philanthropists. Your endowed charitable fund at the Foundation is created later, when your estate gift is received. Grants from your fund will support philanthropy that reflects your passions, values and goals. And because your gift creates an endowed fund, your support for the community lasts forever.

Q. Why should I create a charitable fund at the Community Foundation of Broward instead of establishing a private foundation?

A. A charitable fund at the Community Foundation delivers many of the benefits of a private foundation for you, without the administrative hassles. You get to name your fund and establish a legacy of community support that reflects your values. The Foundation’s experienced staff takes care of the accounting, investments and other administrative duties. The Foundation’s philanthropic experts vet and recommend grant recipients. We monitor their progress to make sure they deliver maximum results. Our community knowledge amplifies the impact of your charitable dollars.

Q. How is giving through the Community Foundation different than giving through a commercial donor-advised fund?

A. Our community knowledge combined with our philanthropic expertise and personalized service are benefits you won’t find with a commercial donor-advised fund. We offer unmatched local insight into Broward’s big challenges and a more than 30-year track record of leadership that delivers solutions. Our outstanding fiduciary services and commitment to growing Broward’s endowment ensure that your philanthropic impact continues forever. As a Community Foundation Fundholder, you are invited to participate in Foundation events that keep you informed about Broward’s big issues and connect you to other local philanthropists.

Q. What are the tax benefits of giving through the Community Foundation?

A. As a public charity, the Community Foundation can offer you larger tax deductions than a private foundation. Giving to a charitable fund at the Community Foundation enables you to qualify for the maximum adjusted gross income tax deduction limit, based on the type of and fair market value of your contributed assets. Also, charitable funds at the Foundation are not subject to the excise taxes that private foundations face.

Q. Why should I give through the Community Foundation if I already give to other charitable organizations?

A. The Community Foundation’s growing endowment — sustained by prudent investment — ensures that we will be here forever to provide resources to tackle Broward’s ever-changing needs. When you partner with the Foundation to establish an endowed charitable fund, you ensure a legacy of always being there to support the community you love. Grants from your endowed fund will be a sustainable source of support for charitable causes and efforts that reflect your values, passions and goals. While there are many worthwhile charitable groups focused on different community challenges, the Foundation is the one that provides both the leadership and sustainable resources necessary to tackle Broward’s big issues today and forever.

Q. What is my professional advisor’s role once I establish a charitable fund at the Community Foundation?

A. We work together with you and your professional advisor to create giving strategies that best suit your charitable and financial goals. Your professional advisor is welcome at all meetings we have with you and when they can’t be there, we follow up to keep them in the loop.

As an added benefit, your professional advisor is invited to join our Professional Advisors Council. This elite group of professionals gives us guidance about how to best serve their clients. Council members can earn Continuing Legal Education credits through programs at breakfasts and luncheons hosted by the Foundation. They are also invited to join you at Foundation events that help inform and connect Broward’s community of philanthropists.

Q. What types of assets can I use to establish a charitable fund at the Community Foundation?

A. There are many sources of giving available for local philanthropists. Cash, publicly traded securities, retirement plans, life insurance, real estate, stocks, closely held business interests and estate gifts are all potential ways for you to create a charitable fund at the Community Foundation. Also, personal property — from jewelry to art and collectables — can be used to seed your legacy of community support. Our philanthropic experts will work with you to ensure those gifts, in whatever form they come, deliver maximum community impact.

Q. How will I know that my giving through the Community Foundation makes Broward a better place to live?

A. The Foundation assigns a Charitable Funds Manager who becomes your personal philanthropy concierge. We thoroughly vet the organizations that receive grants from your charitable fund and make sure grantees deliver the results they promise. You receive annual financial reports explaining the fund balance, types of grants disbursed as well as the latest gifts to the fund. You also have 24/7 access to information about your fund through our online donor portal. In addition, you receive Foundation publications, such as the Community Matters magazine and e-newsletter, and you are invited to informative Foundation events, including the “Food for Thought” gatherings. You can also attend guided site visits to see the people and places helped by grants that your support makes possible.

Q. Who manages, invests and oversees assets given to the Community Foundation?

A. Our more than 30-year track record of delivering outstanding fiduciary services is a key reason that you can trust the Community Foundation to manage and grow your financial gifts. The Foundation’s experienced financial staff is assisted by a nationally acclaimed investment consultant who provides research, makes recommendations and monitors the performance of investment managers. The Foundation’s broadly diversified portfolio helps protect our long-term investments. Investment decisions are guided by an independent investment committee, made up of highly experienced local financial professionals. An audit committee reviews the Foundation’s finances, accounting and legal compliance as well as the results of the Foundation’s annual outside audit.

Q. What if I want to establish a charitable fund at the Community Foundation, but prefer that my professional advisor manages the assets?

A. Your professional advisors can continue to manage your donated assets through an investment agreement with the Community Foundation. Through these agreements, your advisor serves as an investment manager for the Foundation and maintains custody of your donated assets. Those assets are managed by your advisor in a separate account, which is subject to the Foundation’s oversight and must follow the Foundation’s investment policies. You can qualify for these types of agreements by committing at least $1 million to an endowed charitable fund at the Foundation.

Q. How can I start my philanthropy now in a way that helps maintain my financial security?

A. A charitable gift annuity is a great option for accomplishing both financial and philanthropic goals. An annuity allows you to make an immediate gift to the Community Foundation and also receive fixed payments — which are based on your life expectancy — to increase your spendable income. Those payments to you continue throughout your lifetime and what remains afterward goes to a charitable fund at the Foundation. Through the charitable gift annuity, you get a stable source of income as well as the satisfaction of knowing that your giving will shape a better future for Broward.

FAQ for Advisors

Q. How does my client give through the Community Foundation of Broward?

A. Your client can start their philanthropy immediately with a gift to the Community Foundation or they can plan for future giving through their estate.

Immediate giving — Clients can start their philanthropy right away by establishing a charitable fund at the Foundation. They name the fund. They also decide how its grants will be directed by creating a fund agreement with the Foundation. They get personalized service from a Charitable Funds Manager who ensures that their fund supports philanthropy that reflects their passions, values and goals. As Fundholders, they are invited to participate in Foundation events that keep them informed about Broward’s big issues and connect them to other local philanthropists.
Future giving — Clients interested in giving through their estate can create a future giving plan. Your client names the Foundation as a beneficiary in their will, trust, insurance policy or retirement plan. Your client can join our Legacy Society, which is invited to Foundation events that keep them informed about Broward’s big issues and connects them to other local philanthropists. Their charitable fund at the Foundation is created later, when the estate gift is received. Grants from their fund support philanthropy that reflects their passions, values and goals.

Q. Why should my client create a charitable fund at the Community Foundation of Broward instead of establishing a private foundation?

A. A charitable fund at the Community Foundation delivers many of the benefits of a private foundation for your client, without the administrative hassles. Your client gets to name their fund and establish a legacy of community support that reflects their values. The Foundation’s experienced staff takes care of the accounting, investments and other administrative duties. The Foundation’s philanthropic experts vet and recommend grant recipients. We monitor their progress to make sure they deliver maximum results. Our community knowledge amplifies the impact of your clients’ charitable dollars.

Q. How is giving through the Community Foundation different than giving through a commercial donor-advised fund?

A. Our community knowledge combined with our philanthropic expertise and personalized service are benefits your client won’t find with a commercial donor-advised fund. We offer unmatched local insight into Broward’s big challenges and a more than 30-year track record of leadership that delivers solutions. Our outstanding fiduciary services and commitment to growing Broward’s endowment ensure that your client’s philanthropic impact continues forever. As a Community Foundation Fundholder, your client is invited to participate in Foundation events that keep them informed about Broward’s big issues and also connect them to other local philanthropists.

Q. What are the tax benefits of giving through the Community Foundation?

A. As a public charity, the Community Foundation can offer your client larger tax deductions than a private foundation. Giving to a charitable fund at the Community Foundation enables your client to qualify for the maximum adjusted gross income tax deduction limit, based on the type of and fair market value of their contributed assets. Also, charitable funds at the Foundation are not subject to the excise taxes that private foundations face.

Q. Why should my client give through the Community Foundation if they already give to other charitable organizations?

A. The Community Foundation’s growing endowment — sustained by prudent investment — ensures that we will be here forever to provide resources to tackle Broward’s ever-changing needs. When your client partners with the Foundation to establish an endowed charitable fund, they ensure a legacy of always being there to support the community they love. Grants from your client’s endowed fund will be a sustainable source of support for charitable causes and efforts that reflect their values, passions and goals. While there are many worthwhile charitable groups focused on different community challenges, the Foundation is the one that provides both the leadership and sustainable resources necessary to tackle Broward’s big issues today and forever.

Q. What is the professional advisor’s role once their client establishes a charitable fund at the Community Foundation?

A. Professional advisors remain connected to their client and, through a collaboration with the Community Foundation, gain an expert partner in philanthropy planning. We work together to create giving strategies that best suit your client’s charitable and financial goals. You are welcome at all meetings we have with your client and when you can’t be there, we follow up to keep you in the loop. By helping your client accomplish their philanthropy goals, you enhance your value as their trusted advisor.

As an added benefit, professional advisors who collaborate with us are invited to join our Professional Advisors Council. This elite group of professionals gives us guidance about how to best serve their clients. Council members can earn Continuing Legal Education credits through programs at breakfasts and luncheons hosted by the Foundation. They are also invited to join their clients at Foundation events that help inform and connect Broward’s community of philanthropists.

Q. What types of assets can my client use to establish a charitable fund at the Community Foundation?

A. There are many sources of giving available for local philanthropists. Cash, publicly traded securities, retirement plans, life insurance, real estate, stocks, closely held business interests and estate gifts are all potential ways for your clients to create a charitable fund at the Community Foundation. Also, personal property — from jewelry to art and collectables — can be used to seed a client’s legacy of giving. Our philanthropic experts will work with you to ensure those gifts, in whatever form they come, deliver maximum community impact.

Q. How will my client know that their giving through the Community Foundation makes Broward a better place to live?

A. The Foundation assigns a Charitable Funds Manager who becomes your client’s personal philanthropy concierge. We thoroughly vet the organizations that receive grants from your client’s fund and make sure grantees deliver the results they promise. Your client receives annual financial reports explaining the fund balance, types of grants disbursed as well as the latest gifts to the fund. Your client also has 24/7 access to information about their fund, through our online donor portal. In addition, your client receives Foundation publications, such as the Community Matters magazine and e-newsletter, and is invited to informative Foundation events, including the “Food for Thought” gatherings. Your client can also attend guided site visits to see the people and places helped by their grants.

Q. Who manages, invests and oversees assets given to the Community Foundation?

A. Our more than 30-year track record of delivering outstanding fiduciary services is a key reason that people can trust the Community Foundation to manage and grow their financial gifts. The Foundation’s experienced financial staff is assisted by a nationally acclaimed investment consultant who provides research, makes recommendations and monitors the performance of investment managers. The Foundation’s broadly diversified portfolio helps protect our long-term investments. Investment decisions are guided by an independent investment committee, made up of highly experienced local financial professionals. An audit committee reviews the Foundation’s finances, accounting and legal compliance as well as the results of the Foundation’s annual outside audit.

Q. What if a client wants to establish a charitable fund at the Community Foundation, but prefers that their professional advisor manage their assets?

A. Professional advisors can continue to manage their client’s assets through an investment agreement with the Community Foundation. Through these agreements, the advisor becomes an investment manager for the Foundation and maintains custody of their client’s assets. Those assets are managed by the advisor in a separate account, which is subject to the Foundation’s oversight and must follow the Foundation’s investment policies. Clients who qualify for these types of agreements commit at least $1 million to an endowed charitable fund at the Foundation.

Q. How can a client start their philanthropy now in a way that helps maintain their financial security?

A. A charitable gift annuity is a great option for accomplishing both financial and philanthropic goals. An annuity allows your client to make an immediate gift to the Community Foundation and also receive fixed payments, based on their life expectancy, to increase their spendable income. Those payments to your client continue throughout their lifetime and what remains afterward goes to a charitable fund at the Foundation. Through the charitable gift annuity, your client gets a stable source of income as well as the satisfaction of knowing that their giving will shape a better future for Broward.

FAQ for Nonprofits

Eligibility and Application:

Q. I am not a 501c(3), but my project has a charitable intent. Can I still apply for funding?

A. Yes. See below for organizations that can apply without a 501c(3) status:

Faith-based organizations
Other nonprofits (public charities, private foundations, etc.)
Hospital systems
Educational institutions
Government, State, County, and city entities
For-profit organizations that have a fiscal sponsor

If you are still unsure whether you can apply, please contact the Foundation at grants@cfbroward.org.

Q. What is a Fiscal Sponsor?

A. A fiscal sponsor is a nonprofit organization that provides fiduciary oversight, financial management, and other administrative services to help build the capacity of charitable projects. A fiscal sponsor must provide a letter of understanding that outlines their role and responsibilities.

Q. Can individuals apply for a grant?

A. No. Individuals cannot apply for a grant, only organizations. However, a limited number of academic scholarships are available for students and adults.

Q. Is there anything you will not support?

A. Yes. We do not support:

Fundraising event sponsorships, such as galas and golf tournaments.
Grants to individuals for memberships, annual campaigns, endowments, memorials or reducing deficits.
Organizations that, in their constitution or practice, discriminate against a person or group based on religious belief, sex, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, political affiliation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or age.

Q. Will a volunteer-based organization be penalized?

A. No, we do not penalize if volunteers staff an organization.

Q. If my organization is currently funded through a designated grant or has an agency fund with the Foundation, can we submit in the focus area application process?

A. Yes.

Q. My organization does programming in Broward with a headquarters elsewhere. Are we still eligible?

A. Yes. Your organization can still apply for a grant as long as the program's goals will directly impact Broward County residents.

Q. Do you give preference to previously awarded applicants?

A. No. Each application is evaluated on its individual quality.

Q. My organization receives funding from a lead collaborative partner with Foundation funds currently. Can my organization apply for a separate grant as a lead?

A. Yes. We also encourage you to collaborate with other organizations as well.

Q. Is there an opportunity to discuss my project/organization before I submit my grant application?

A. Yes. Please reach out to the Foundation and set up a 30-minute meeting to discuss your questions. But before doing so, ensure you have reviewed all the information available and have prepared questions to discuss.

Q. How long does my organization need to be operating in Broward County to apply for a small grant opportunity?

A. At least two years from inception.

Focus Areas:

Q. I’m not sure which focus area to choose, as my project fits into more than one.

A. You should apply under the focus area that aligns best with the outcomes that your project is working to achieve. Carefully review the “What Are We Looking For” sections for each focus area to determine where your program aligns best with the overall outcomes.

Q. Are youth entrepreneurial projects appropriate for your grantmaking framework?

A. Yes, this will fall under the Exposure to New Opportunities category in the Education and Youth Enrichment focus area.

Q. Does the Foundation still support animal welfare?

A. Absolutely! If you think you have a program the Foundation can support, contact Tina Hudson, the Manager of Community Impact, at thudson@cfbroward.org.

Q. Is it required that we collaborate with other entities to implement our project/program?

A. No. Collaboration is encouraged and considered during the evaluation process but is not required. Be advised that each partner must submit a letter of support with the application outlining their role, responsibilities, and potential financial contribution to the project. Review the Big Think Grant Opportunity if you plan to collaborate.

Q. What kinds of projects receive focus area grants?

A. A list of current grantees can be found under the Resources section of the Apply for Grants webpage on our website.

Funding:

Q. What is your average grant amount?

A. Average requests are $50,000-$65,000 annually per project for the focus area grants. The small grant opportunities are based on the organization's annual operating budget.

Q. Do you have multi-year funding opportunities?

A. Yes. The Foundation will consider multi-year requests for up to three years. Please use the multi-year budget bundle to describe the support needed for each year. Also, review the Big Think opportunity if you plan to collaborate to see if your idea is appropriate for this.

Q. My organization is applying for multi-year funding. Does the funding amount have to be the same each year?

A. No, the budget can be divided based on the specific needs each year.

Funding Cycle:

Q. What is a rolling cycle?

A. Applications can be submitted anytime during the year, and decisions are made for each focus area based on the chart on page 2.

Q. How many applicants will receive a grant award per rolling application cycle review date?

A. There is no cap on the number of applicants awarded per review cycle.

Q. How many times can my organization apply per year?

A. If you apply and receive the grant, you cannot apply again until that grant is completed. If you apply and get declined, you can apply again after scheduling and completing a meeting with the Foundation. Additionally, please take advantage of our Center for Nonprofit Excellence to gain resources for strengthening your proposal.

Q. Can my organization apply for more than one focus area throughout the year?

A. See the previous question above.

Q. Can I apply for a Small Grant, a Focus Area grant and a Big Think grant within the same year?

A. No. Each grant bucket is mutually exclusive. Only one application can be submitted per 12 months cycle in any bucket.

Q. When can we expect to hear back after being approved for a grant?

A. This varies by application submission date.

Attention Internet Explorer Users:

To enjoy the full experience, more speed and security, please use or download one of these free, up-to-date browsers below:

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ for Fundholders

FAQ for Advisors

FAQ for Nonprofits

Eligibility and Application:

Focus Areas:

Funding:

Funding Cycle: