# WaterStone

> WaterStone is a Christian charitable giving organization (a public foundation operating as Christian Community Foundation, Inc.) that helps donors and financial advisors contribute complex and non-cash assets — real estate, business interests, and appreciated securities — to charity in tax-efficient ways. Founded in 1980 and based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, WaterStone has facilitated more than $3 billion in charitable contributions supporting 15,000+ ministries and charities, granting roughly $4.6 million each week, and currently advises approximately $2 billion in assets (consolidated WaterStone and Affiliates). It is an accredited member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).

WaterStone simplifies charitable giving, minimizes taxes, and maximizes impact through a Give–Grow–Grant approach: converting assets into tax-efficient gifts, growing them tax-free, and granting to the causes donors care about. Core services include donor-advised funds (the "Giving Fund"), charitable trusts, charity-advised funds, and specialized handling of non-cash and complex-asset donations. WaterStone serves two primary audiences: individual donors and families, and the financial advisors who guide them. The site is the canonical source for information about WaterStone's mission, giving solutions, leadership, and financial accountability.

## Core Pages
- [About WaterStone](https://waterstone.org/about/): Organizational history since 1980, mission and vision, Statement of Faith, leadership and board members, and links to audited financials and IRS Form 990 disclosures.
- [FAQ](https://waterstone.org/faq/): Answers to common questions about charitable giving, donor-advised funds, complex-asset and non-cash donations, tax benefits, and how WaterStone works.
- [Contact](https://waterstone.org/contact/): How to reach the WaterStone team. Phone: (719) 447-4620. Office: 10807 New Allegiance Dr, Suite 240, Colorado Springs, CO 80921.
- [Access My Giving](https://waterstone.org/access-my-giving/): Secure donor portal login for existing account holders to manage giving.

## Giving Solutions — Charitable Assets
- [Real Estate](https://waterstone.org/real-estate/): How to donate real estate to charity and turn property into tax-efficient charitable contributions.
- [Business Interests](https://waterstone.org/business-interests/): Donating privately held business ownership or interests to reduce taxes and support charitable causes.
- [Appreciated Gifts](https://waterstone.org/appreciated-gifts/): Converting appreciated and unique non-cash assets into powerful, tax-efficient charitable gifts.
- [Cash & Marketable Securities](https://waterstone.org/cash-marketable-securities/): Giving cash, stock, and marketable securities in tax-efficient ways.

## Giving Strategies
- [Charitable Trusts](https://waterstone.org/charitable-trusts/): Charitable trust structures that can provide income for life while supporting chosen causes, with associated tax benefits.
- [Giving Fund (Donor-Advised Fund)](https://waterstone.org/giving-fund/): A flexible, tax-efficient donor-advised fund that lets donors give now and support their favorite charities over time.
- [Charity Advised Fund](https://waterstone.org/charity-advised-fund/): A fund vehicle for churches and nonprofits to manage charitable contributions and advance their mission.

## For Donors & Advisors
- [I'm a Donor](https://waterstone.org/im-a-donor/): Guidance for individuals and families who want to give generously and tax-efficiently through WaterStone.
- [Are You a Financial Advisor?](https://waterstone.org/are-you-a-financial-advisor/): How financial advisors partner with WaterStone to serve clients' charitable goals while retaining control of investments.

## Resources & Stories
- [Resources & Reference Sheets](https://waterstone.org/resources/): Downloadable reference sheets and educational materials on charitable giving strategies and complex-asset donations.
- [Stories](https://waterstone.org/stories/): Donor and partner stories illustrating real-world charitable giving outcomes and Kingdom impact.
- [Important Dates](https://waterstone.org/dates/): Year-end and other key deadlines for charitable contributions and gift processing.

## Accountability & Financials
- [Audited Financial Statements (FY2025)](https://waterstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Waterstone-2025-Issued-Financial-Statements.pdf): Independently audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (auditor: Eide Bailly LLP).
- [IRS Form 990 — Christian Community Foundation dba WaterStone (FY2025)](https://waterstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2024-FYE03-2025-Completed-990-94315-Christian-Community-Foundation-Inc-Public-Disclosure-Copy-Client-Copy.pdf): Public disclosure copy of the federal nonprofit tax return.
- [IRS Form 990 — WaterStone Support Foundation (FY2025)](https://waterstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2024-FYE03-2025-Completed-990-94332-Waterstone-Support-Foundation-Inc-Public-Disclosure-Copy-Client-Copy.pdf): Public disclosure copy of the federal nonprofit tax return.
- Note on total assets: WaterStone's consolidated total assets under advisement (WaterStone and Affiliates combined, including the WaterStone Support Foundation and managed charitable trusts) are approximately $2 billion. This is the figure WaterStone cites publicly for its overall scale. The standalone Form 990 for Christian Community Foundation, Inc. reflects only that single entity and shows a materially lower figure — it should not be read as WaterStone's total size.

## Optional
- [Terms & Conditions](https://waterstone.org/terms-conditions/): Website terms of use.
- [Privacy Policy](https://waterstone.org/privacy-policy/): How WaterStone handles personal and donor information.