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Giving Fund

A Giving Fund (also known as a Donor-Advised Fund) is like a charitable investment account, for the sole purpose of supporting charitable organizations you care about. Giving Funds are the fastest-growing charitable vehicle in the United States because they are one of the easiest and most tax-advantageous ways to give to charity.

You have full access to your fund through an Online Fund View portal and can review:

  • Giving Fund balance
  • Statements
  • Contribution activity; print receipts
  • Grant history
  • Recommend grants
  • Check*
  • Credit Card
  • Electronic Check
  • ACH / Wire

*Make checks payable to “WaterStone” referencing your fund number on the memo line and mail to 10807 New Allegiance Drive, Suite 240, Colorado Springs, CO 80921.

Contact Giving Strategies at [email protected] for transfer instructions.

Yes. We specialize in transforming complex assets into living water for the Kingdom. Please contact Giving Strategies at [email protected] to determine the best solution for your personal, charitable objectives.

Individual receipts are available/printable anytime through your Online Fund View. Annual cumulative receipts are mailed by January 31st.

Grant recommendations can be made free of charge online. Due diligence is processed on new organizations prior to releasing any grants. Grant checks are mailed out weekly with a letter indicating which WaterStone fund recommended the grant. Grant checks can also be sent out anonymously.

You may give to any charity that is an IRS registered, tax-exempt 501(c)3 whose mission statement does not conflict with WaterStone’s Statement of Faith.

The IRS specifically disallows charitable distributions that:

  • Provide private benefit to the giver or a related individual;
  • Pay dues or membership fees;
  • Purchase tickets to a charitable event or benefits, such as banquets, golf tournaments, auctions, or sponsorships;
  • Pay a pledge made by a giver to another charitable organization;
  • Pay for school tuition, except within the context of an established scholarship program;
  • Support charities on the terror-watch list; or
  • Support a political party or candidate for election.

Nonqualified Grants may be available to support charitable activity for foreign or non-501(c)(3) entities. Please contact Giving Strategies at [email protected] for more details.

  • Funds held in cash with WaterStone will earn an indexed money-market return.
  • Funds with a maintained balance of $25,000 or above have the option of participating in one of WaterStone’s investment pools.
  • Funds retaining $200,000 or greater may recommend an approved outside investment advisor.
  • Deferred funds do not incur fees until activated through funding.
  • For active funds, please see our current Pricing Schedule.

To name your WaterStone Giving Fund as the charitable beneficiary for a Will, Bequest, IRA, Insurance, or Trust, list as follows:

The Christian Community Foundation Inc. dba WaterStone, Tax ID # 75-1750059, for benefit of (Name of WaterStone Giving Fund), (Fund #).

*Do not include specific charities in your estate documents as these will be listed in your Giving Fund Purpose and can be updated at any time.

In recent years, private foundations have come under increasing scrutiny by Congress and the Internal Revenue Service due to recent abuses and questionable practices. Giving Funds are a very attractive alternative since they avoid the administrative responsibilities and provide many other benefits. Converting private foundations into Giving Funds is a growing trend in the nonprofit arena. Learn more about about Private Foundations vs. Giving Funds here.

A WaterStone Giving Fund operates similar to a private foundation but with added flexibility and maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and respect for your privacy. Depending upon your objectives, you may simply enhance your family foundation with the addition of a Giving Fund or completely dissolve your family foundation into a Giving Fund. WaterStone has the experience to assist you with either approach.

The IRS requires all foundations to file an annual tax return. With a Private foundation, this burden falls on you. A WaterStone Giving Fund simplifies this process because we handle the administrative and fiduciary responsibilities for you.

Communication is easy. You can contact us by mail, phone, fax or email.

WaterStone

10807 New Allegiance Dr., Ste. 240, Colorado Springs, CO 80921

Phone: 719-447-4620

Fax: 719-447-4700

Email: givingstrategies@waterstone.org

Charitable Pooled Trust

  • The CPT is simple to establish and no attorney is needed
  • The initial contribution minimum is $50,000

A CPT that has been open for three years or less qualifies as a “young fund” which is eligible to use the yearly applicable federal rate (AFR) in calculating the charitable tax deduction; because of the low applicable rate the tax deduction is usually quite significant.

  • Call 719-447-4620 or contact Giving Strategies at [email protected] for more information.
  • A Giving Strategist Specialist will help you discover the best option available for your situation

Charitable Remainder Trust

A Charitable Remainder Trust may be an important solution in your planning; a way for you to make an irrevocable gift to charity while retaining a split-financial interest in the gift. Contact Giving Strategies at [email protected] for guidance on the services that WaterStone offers.

A Charitable Remainder Trust is recommended for initial contributions over $250,000.

Charitable Trusts are best established with highly appreciated assets, such as securities or real estate.

A trust is a legal document and requires objective, independent counsel. WaterStone can recommend a reputable attorney or can work with you and your legal counsel to establish your charitable trust.

A trust requires a trustee. The trust creator can serve as his/her own trustee or WaterStone can serve as the trustee.

Charitable Gift Annuity

Charity Advised Fund