The hundreds of funds administered by The Chicago Community Trust carry more than just philanthropic assets they carry family histories, life stories and creative ideas looking for outlets.

When you’re ready to add your resources and voice to the enduring effort to build tomorrow’s Chicago, the Trust is ready with a variety of charitable funds that meet your needs.  The right mix of funds will depend on the specific purpose of the gift and our oversight in perpetuity. 

We consider the funds as building blocks that can be used singly or in combination with one another. All of our giving vehicles enjoy maximum tax advantages.

Charitable Gift Funds

• Donor Advised Funds – Donors can create a named fund for at least $10,000 and actively participate in grant making.
  
  
• Supporting Organizations – Donors with a minimum of $3 million can establish a supporting organization, which has its own board of directors,  fewer restrictions and more tax advantages than a private family foundation.
  
  
• Unrestricted Funds – Donors allow the Trust to respond quickly and creatively to the community’s most pressing challengers.
  

• Restricted Funds – Donors dedicate funds to a specific issue. The Trust’s Executive Committee distributes income to charities that address the donor’s concern.
  
  
• Designated Funds – Donors designate funds for one or more specific charities in perpetuity.
  
  
• Field of Interest Funds – Donors may pool their funds with others in one of the Trust’s seven Field of Interest Funds.
  
  
• Agency Endowments – Not-for-profit organizations may create special funds to ensure a steady and reliable income source.

Gift Vehicles
The Trust offers expert grant makers and fund administrators who can help you choose the most appropriate assets – and the most effective way to use them – to reach your philanthropic goals.

The Trust’s experts have experience with:

• Bequests
  Whether straight bequests or residual / contingent beneficiary bequests, the Trust will help you and your client determine the proper language to make it happen.
  
  
• Charitable Remainder Trusts
  An ideal vehicle for donors wishing to give to the community and create an income stream – particularly using appreciated securities or real estate – Trust experts will walk you and your client through the pros and cons of unitrusts, annuity trusts and more.
  
  
• Charitable Lead Trusts
  Donors looking to maximize the tax benefits of their philanthropy will find the Trust adept at handling charitable lead trusts.
  
  
• Charitable Gift Annuities
  Combining the benefits of remainder and lead trusts, the charitable gift annuity provides income for the donor while establishing a lasting legacy to a family or institution with a permanent named fund.

For more information about these asset vehicles, and others, contact the Trust’s Director of Gift Planning, Jason Baxendale.