Donors
Create A Fund
Establishing a fund at PCF is simple. We manage the administrative details for you. Here’s all you have to do:
1. Name Your Fund
You can name the fund after your family, business, or in honor of someone or an organization. Based on your preference, grants can be distributed under your fund’s name or anonymously.
Fictitious Examples: The Swiftie Foundation, The Tom Hanks Fund, The Einstein Hunger Relief Fund, Suncoast Solutions Foundation
2. Choose Your Cause
You can choose more than one area or cause that is important to you. Given the PCF Board and Staff’s experience and connection to the community, you may consult with PCF to determine the areas of greatest need.
3. Select A Fund Advisor
Fund Advisors recommend grants and investments, with online access to view statements and suggest grants. this can be you, your family or other close individuals.
You can be the sole Advisor or designate others, involving trusted family or friends in your charitable plans.
Successor Advisors take over these duties if Fund Advisors can’t.
Important Information
Below are links to more information about setting up a donor-advised fund at Pinellas Community Foundation:
Pinellas Community Foundation does not request sensitive information like account or social security numbers in online forms. We do collect personal and demographic details, which are safely transmitted online. If you prefer to complete these forms in person or over the phone we would be happy to schedule a meeting with our staff. Feel free to ask any questions about the donor-advised fund agreement or donor-advised funds. We are happy to assist you.
Giving Overview
Unlike many charitable organizations that concentrate on a single issue, PCF adopts a comprehensive approach, offering leadership and cultivating sustainable resources to address the significant challenges facing our community, now and in the future. We provide:
Proven Leadership
Over 55 years of successful leadership and community engagement.
Philanthropic Expertise
Extensive experience in managing and guiding charitable efforts.
Unrivaled Local Knowledge
Deep insights into the community’s needs and dynamics.
Customized Giving Strategies
Personalized plans to maximize philanthropic impact.
Exceptional Fiduciary Oversight
Rigorous management of funds to ensure accountability and fund growth.
Endowment for Lasting Impact
Long-term financial stability to support ongoing philanthropic efforts.
Philanthropic Solutions Customized For You
We pride ourselves on our ability to help you make the best charitable decisions with as much or as little help as you need. We have the convenience of an online donor portal for quick grantmaking. We also offer personalized assistance finding the right nonprofit to meet your charitable giving needs.
Why Choose PCF Over a Private or Family Foundation?
| Feature | Community Foundation | Private Foundation | Commercial Gift Fund |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Startup Fees | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Ability To Grant Anonymously | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Highest Tax Benefits | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Comprehensive Grant And Admin Services | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| No Annual Fees | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| No Mandatory Annual 5% Payout | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Form 990 Filing Not Required | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Local Community Knowledge | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Fees Reinvested Into The Community | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Networking With Local Donors | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Access To Philanthropic Advisors | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Ability To Use Donor’s Own Brand/Name | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
Pinellas Community Foundation offers a unique opportunity to connect with the local community, maximize the impact of your donations, and collaborate with like-minded philanthropists. Fees from donor-advised funds at PCF are reinvested into local programs, staff support, and grant-making activities, ensuring your contributions directly benefit the community rather than stakeholders, as is often the case with private foundations and commercial gift funds.
In addition to avoiding extensive legal costs and paperwork, PCF assumes all administrative and reporting requirements. Community foundation funds can be created in a day versus the several months it takes to set up a private or family foundation. Plus, there are financial advantages to creating a philanthropic fund through the Pinellas Community Foundation, as illustrated in the table.
*Consult your tax advisor for your individual tax implications
Assets we accept
PCF’s experience with and ability to handle complex assets sets us apart. You can establish or add to a charitable fund with any of the following:
*We suggest consulting your financial or legal advisor to determine the best asset for your unique situation. Please reach out to PCF before making your gift, so we can be prepared to assist you when you are prepared to open or contribute to your fund.
PCF Membership
For the Community. By the Community.
Donors at all giving levels are members of Pinellas Community Foundation. By pooling funds, your gifts make a dramatic difference. Your membership donation (one-time or recurring) supports Capital Improvement and Equipment grants. These important grants fund critical infrastructure and capital improvements, such as roofs, refrigerators, and vans for nonprofit organizations. Funds are distributed to vetted organizations with successful missions and proven financial responsibility.
A key part of the PCF mission is to help donors create a charitable giving plan. With a fund at PCF, you can donate to established causes or create a new fund or endowment for a cause with which you have a personal connection. Donations to PCF are tax-deductible up to IRS limits.
Donor Bill of Rights
Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To assure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the nonprofit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have certain rights.
