Giving is one of the most personal and important things you can do. It allows you to have an impact on the well being of your community. It expresses gratitude. It takes action. It provides an opportunity to improve the quality of life for people in so many ways. And it gives you a chance to create a legacy of giving in areas that hold your greatest interest.

Establishing a fund where your donations are coordinated can be more meaningful than simply writing a check to a particular institution, school, hospital or project. A fund with Communities Foundation of Texas enables you to tap into additional grantmaking resources and support, while providing important tax advantages and flexibility.

Tax Advantages

Communities Foundation of Texas is a public charity. As described in Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, contributions to a community foundation are fully tax-deductible in accordance with the law and all applicable rules and regulations. What this means to you is:

• You can deduct the optimal value of your gift for tax purposes in a particularly advantageous year, yet provide for the distribution of your gifts as charitable grants over a course of time through CFT.
• You (and your heirs) can avoid estate taxes on gifts made to CFT.
• With a gift of appreciated assets like stock to CFT, you can avoid capital gains taxes while realizing the maximum tax-deductibility of your donation.
• Compared to many other charitable giving options, and specifically compared to a private foundation, the rules and regulations governing CFT and all community foundations are less onerous in terms of spending and reporting requirements, and they enhance virtually all available donations.
  

CFT Resources

With more than 50 years of service and involvement, CFT knows the nonprofit community and can help ensure the effective use of your contributions.

• CFT keeps up-to-date records on the region's nonprofit agencies and organizations. Our staff members are great sources of reliable information for you.
• CFT trustees are involved in virtually every aspect of community life.
• The semi-annual CFT competitive grants application process is thorough and rigorous.
• CFT staff members maintain personal knowledge of donors' charitable interests.
• CFT pays special attention to growing its charitable resources through a professional investment program.
• CFT collaborates with its peers. Strategic partnerships and alliances with other agencies and organizations have established the foundation's reputation for leadership.

CFT's Unique Commitment

Communities Foundation of Texas is dedicated to helping donors achieve the greatest impact from their charitable actions in the community, state and beyond. We work daily to accomplish this goal. Our success record is a testament to this commitment.