BCF offers numerous types of funds you can create depending on your philanthropic vision and goals. You can create endowed and non-endowed funds, as well as donor advised funds, designated funds, scholarship funds, field of interest funds, and more. Our experienced team can help you select the type of fund that best aligns with your vision and goals. Below is a summary of the fund types that BCF offers:

• Community funds — Direct your legacy gift to one of our community funds. The community funds are permanent, unrestricted endowments that make discretionary grant-making dollars available. Future BCF staff and boards will make grant decisions based on the needs and opportunities of the day.
• Field of interest funds — Field of interest funds benefit not-for-profits working in charitable areas you select. The cause or issue can be broad or narrow. This allows you to invest in an issue you care about while relying on future philanthropic experts to identify opportunities that make the greatest impact in that field. BCF has many existing funds that were created years ago and are awarding grants today to specific interest areas, such as the environment, health and wellness, youth and families, or arts and culture.
• Designated funds — Designated funds let you tell us exactly which 501(c)(3) public charity or charities you wish your fund to benefit. Every year, grants are directed to the charity of your choice enabling you to “endow” your current annual gift to your favorite charitable organizations. You provide a permanent, ongoing source of support and we oversee the distributions.
• Scholarship funds — Scholarship funds provide need-based financial assistance for students seeking post-secondary education. Scholarships can benefit students who attend (or plan to attend) a specific college or university, face a particular barrier to continuing their education, or students planning certain careers.
• Donor-advised funds — Donor-advised funds let you make one contribution to BCF and recommend grants to nonprofit organizations. A donor-advised fund provides ease and flexibility in personal charitable giving. You make a gift that is deductible in the year of the donation, and you can add to your fund at any time. Successor advisors may be named to continue recommending grants after your lifetime. This leaves a lasting legacy that benefits your community after the advising period. This option most closely resembles a private family foundation but eliminates the administrative burdens and costs, and allows you to work with BCF staff dedicated to helping you accomplish your charitable goals.
• Endowed funds — An endowed fund is a perpetual fund from which grants are given annually based on our spending rate. By contrast, a non-endowed fund is not a permanent fund and assets are spent down.
• Named funds — Funds can be named for you, your family or to memorialize a loved one Or, choose anonymity and select a name reflecting your charitable purposes.
• Unrestricted funds — Unrestricted funds are grants or donations nonprofits may use to further their mission. Unrestricted funding can also come with some limitations. When nonprofits get unrestricted funding, they can become more financially stable. That increases their ability to respond when crises arise or situations change, while also making it easier for them to innovate and take risks.