Donor-Advised Funds, offer you an excellent way of implementing your charitable giving plan right now by enabling you to play an active role in meeting the vast array of needs in both the Jewish and general communities. Named for you, your family, or in honor or memory of a loved one, a Donor-Advised Fund gives you the opportunity to make recommendations that grants be distributed to the qualified charities of your choice. A Donor-Advised Fund is easy to open, offers significant financial and tax benefits, and simplifies future giving. A minimum deposit of $2,500 is all that’s required to establish a Donor-Advised Fund with the Houston Jewish Community Foundation; however, you may also establish your fund through a gift of appreciated stock or real estate. Whatever the case may be, your deposit is then invested in accordance with the Foundation’s overall investment plan, and your Donor-Advised Fund is credited with all future earnings and appreciation. As a fundholder, you are sent quarterly statements reflecting the income earned, any distributions made, and the current balance of your Fund. Charitable distributions can be made from both the principal and the earnings of your Donor-Advised Fund. You recommend grants, and the Foundation issues the checks and makes the distribution in your Fund’s name. And since your Fund is a component fund of the Houston Jewish Community Foundation, all deposits made to your Donor-Advised Fund are considered gifts to public charity and qualify for all the favorable tax rules which apply to public charities. View a fund agreement

Summary of Benefits:

1. You are eligible to receive an immediate income tax deduction for any contributions you make to your Donor-Advised Fund, regardless of when distributions are made from it.
   
   
2. When you give appreciated long-term capital assets (such as stocks, mutual fund shares, or real estate) to your Fund, you may avoid capital gains tax.
   
   
3. Your Donor-Advised Fund earns investment income and appreciates tax free.
   
   
4. You may make recommendations for grants from both income and principal.
   
   
5. The Foundation takes care of all the paperwork—from administering your Fund, writing the checks, making distributions in your Fund’s name, and providing you with all appropriate documentation in a timely manner.
   
   
6. You have the ability to support the causes that are most important to you—now, and in the future.