Giving Fund

A flexible, tax-efficient way to give now and support
your favorite charities over time

WaterStone accepts various types of business interests, allowing you to turn your business ownership into charitable impact. By donating these assets before a sale or while the business continues to operate, you can maximize your tax benefits and contribute to causes you care about.

How it Works

A Giving Fund operates like a charitable bank account. You can make a contribution of cash, appreciated assets, or other non-traditional gifts into your Giving Fund and receive an immediate charitable deduction. Once the fund is established, you can recommend grants to the charities of your choice on your timeline.

Give

With a WaterStone Giving Fund, you can make charitable contributions during your lifetime and through your estate. Contributions can include cash, marketable securities, real estate, and other non-traditional assets. You receive a charitable tax deduction when you contribute, allowing you to support the causes that matter most at your convenience.

Grow

The assets in your Giving Fund are invested tax-free, allowing your contributions to grow over time. This growth expands your ability to give more to the causes you care about, ensuring that your legacy of generosity continues well into the future.

Grant

Once your contributions are in the fund, you can recommend grants to support your favorite charities over time. WaterStone makes it easy to recommend grants when you’re ready, giving you the flexibility to align your giving with your financial goals or charitable aspirations.

Tax Efficiency

Receive an immediate tax deduction at the time of your contribution, even if you decide to make grants at a later date.

Flexibility

Contribute to your Giving Fund with a variety of assets and recommend grants to charities at your discretion.

Long-Term Impact

The assets in your Giving Fund grow tax-free, giving you the opportunity to make a greater impact over time.

Simplicity

WaterStone handles the administrative work, from managing grants to processing contributions, so you can focus on what matters most—giving.

Get personalized charitable solutions based on your needs.

Customized Pricing & Service Details

Giving Fund administration fees are tailored case by case to ensure the best alignment of services.

Fees for Non-Traditional Asset Contributions
  • Over $5 million: 1% one-time incoming fee
  • Under $5 million: Fee customized based on the asset (up to 3%).
    • Based on appraised value and collected when the asset is liquidated
    • Covers assets such as real estate, private business interests, oil & gas, etc.
    • Assessed in addition to annual administration fees
Investment Options

WaterStone Pooled Investment Fund –
Minimum Balance $25,000

Recommend your investment advisor –
Minimum Balance $200,000

Special Services

Special handling Cost plus $25

Credit Card contribution 3.00%

E-Check contribution 0.75%

Charitable grant to non-qualified organizations $100

Are You a Financial Advisor?

At WaterStone, we know your expertise is the key to unlocking your clients’ charitable potential. Our process makes it simple for you to lead the way. While we handle the complexities—from strategy to implementation—you stay in control of their investments. Together, we help your clients achieve their financial and charitable dreams, making you the trusted guide they rely on.

Giving Fund vs Private Foundation

What’s the difference between a Giving Fund and a Private Foundation?

Other Strategies

Tailored Strategies to Maximize the Impact of Charitable Contributions

Charitable Trusts

Provide income for life while supporting causes you care about with tax benefits.

Charity Advised Fund

A way for churches and nonprofits to efficiently manage charitable contributions and support their mission.

Stephanie Hoff, CPA
Director of Client & Business Solutions

As WaterStone’s Director of Client & Business Solutions, Stephanie’s mission is to generate customized charitable plans that unlock the giving potential of non-cash assets. She is a licensed CPA in the state of Colorado and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Stephanie grew up in Bloomington, Illinois, but now enjoys living in beautiful Colorado Springs with her storm-chasing husband, Robert, and their daughter, Juniper.