Start a Foundation

If you, your family or your organization is looking for an easy, inexpensive way to organize your philanthropy, a donor-advised fund might be worth considering.

The procrastinators out there are most likely feeling the weight of a looming tax-day deadline. Fortunately for philanthropists who work with the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation or Greater Horizons (the Community Foundation’s non-regional brand), tax time is a little easier.

Not sure if you’re ready to become a philanthropist? Consider the following:

If you’ve followed the Giving Better Blog over the past year, you know that Kansas City is one of the most giving cities in the nation.

While the calendar (and the groundhog) may say that spring is still more than a week away, here in Kansas City we’re already celebrating the new season’s arrival. The sun is shining, families are heading out on spring vacations and there’s basketball fever in the air with the Big 12 Tournament in town.
 

Much of what is written about “best practices in philanthropy” makes it seem as though private foundations have the market cornered when it comes to giving strategically. However, the same practices can – and should – be applied to all charitable giving, whether it’s done via checkbook, charitable lead or remainder trusts or through a donor-advised fund at a community foundation.

Over the next year, many individuals will consider making donations to charitable organizations. Some may wish to make a traditional cash donation, however this may not be feasible for everyone. As an alternative to a meaningful cash donation, individuals may give a portion of their estate in the form of real property or a closely-held business interest.

The giving season is here! This season is filled with holidays, family and fun, but it can also come with a lengthy "to do" list. Fortunately, the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation and its non-regional brand, Greater Horizons, can help you check some items off that list.

If you care about education, your community or animals, there’s a giving circle for you. In the last two years, several new giving circles have sprung up just in Kansas City. It’s a charitable trend that is continuing to take hold across the country.
 

How well can you keep a secret? For more than a year, Joyce Hayhow’s friends have been keeping a secret from her. Since she has hundreds of friends, that’s been a challenge.

The most recent Time to Get it Right report, the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation’s leadership initiative and Kansas City’s strategic road map for staying competitive in the new economy, stresses the importance of a highly educated and skilled workforce.