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Giving Opportunities

At the Community Foundation, we believe that gifts of all sizes make a meaningful difference.

We are here to partner with you to fulfill your giving interests and intent. We steward more than 300 funds and have a variety of giving opportunities available that can help you leave a lasting impression on our region. 

We are happy to work with you as you develop your giving plans or to answer any questions. Reach out to us to start a conversation today.

Gifts of Cash

A cash gift is the simplest way to give, and can be done online or by mailing a check. Gifts to the Community Foundation are tax-deductible.

Gifts of Stocks and Bonds

A gift of your securities, including stocks and bonds, is an easy way for you to give to the Community Foundation. By making a gift of your appreciated securities, you can avoid paying the capital gains taxes that would otherwise be due if you sold these assets.

Deferred or Planned Gift

One way of making sure that your charitable intent is realized is through a planned or deferred gift. Such gifts are realized upon death when the assets are no longer needed. To prepare for this type of gift, you can designate the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation as the beneficiary of your asset by will, trust, or other instrument. In doing so, you would become a member of our Community Guardian Legacy Society. Learn more about becoming a Community Guardian.

Bequest

A bequest through your will or charitable trust allows you to enjoy all of your assets while you are alive and provide a meaningful gift to the Community Foundation that would benefit causes you care about most at the end of your lifetime. By choosing this gift option, you would become a member of our Community Guardian Legacy Society. Learn more about becoming a Community Guardian.

Life Insurance

Life insurance makes it possible for virtually everyone to make a meaningful gift. Policies that are no longer needed for their original purpose can make excellent gifts when given to the Community Foundation. You can either designate the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation as the beneficiary, or you can gift the policy during your life and likely receive an immediate income tax deduction.

Retirement Assets

Retirement assets, like life insurance, can be easily gifted to the Community Foundation at the end of your lifetime. This can be done by changing the beneficiary designation for the retirement asset. By giving retirement assets to the Community Foundation, you can reduce income taxes payable by your family in addition to saving on estate taxes. We encourage you to speak with your financial, tax, or wealth advisor to discuss what would be the best option for you. 

Charitable Remainder Trust

A Charitable Remainder Trust is established by you and is a separate trust that benefits only you or your designated beneficiaries and, ultimately, the Community Foundation. There are multiple types of charitable remainder trusts to fit a variety of situations. 

Contact Us

For questions about our giving opportunities, please email us at info@gtrcf.org, call us at (231) 935-4066, or reach out to one of our Advancement team members:

Pam Amundsen, Donor Services Manager

(231) 935-4066 ext. 101 | pamundsen@gtrcf.org

Mercedes Bowyer, Donor Engagement Director

(231) 935-4066 ext. 110 | mbowyer@gtrcf.org

Alison Metiva, Chief Operating Officer

(231) 935-4066 ext. 108 | ametiva@gtrcf.org

Kristina Pepelko, Communications Manager

(231) 935-4066 ext. 109 | kpepelko@gtrcf.org