Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much do I need to give to make a difference?
2. Does Pinellas Community Foundation offer a Donor Advised Fund?
3. How do I establish a fund?
4. Are there tax advantages to creating a fund with Pinellas Community Foundation?
5. Who do I call to set up a fund?
6. Can I work with my professional advisors?
7. Who manages my donation?
8. What assets can I use to establish a fund?
9. Do I have to open a trust fund to donate?
10. What is the difference between a community foundation versus a private or family foundation?
11. How can I keep up to date on PCF news and activities?

1. How much do I need to give to make a difference?

Since a gift in any amount can make a world of difference, there is no maximum or minimum requirement. Whether you create an endowment fund, choose a donor advised fund or become a Pinellas Community Foundation member, your gift will help create a brighter future for our Pinellas County community.

2. Does Pinellas Community Foundation offer Donor Advised Funds?

Yes. Should you be looking to be actively involved in the decision-making for the distribution of your charitable investment, take a tax credit in the year of your donation and lower your fees, a donor advised fund through PCF is a good choice.

3. How do I establish a fund?

Getting started is simple. PCF will help you establish the fund that best addresses your financial objectives and philanthropic goals. It takes just one easy-to-read document to create your charitable legacy. Simply call or have your financial advisor contact PCF at 727-531-0058 to get started.

4. Are there tax advantages to creating a fund with Pinellas Community Foundation?

As a public nonprofit agency with approved 501(c)(3) status, PCF offers you the most advantageous tax benefits available for charitable donations. Your tax advisor will be able to estimate your individual tax savings.

5. Who do I call for more information?

Call the PCF office at 727-531-0058 to learn more about your charitable giving options. Any staff member can help you.

6. Can I work with my professional advisors?

Yes, Pinellas Community Foundation will work directly with your attorney, CPA or other financial managers to create a fund that supports the charities and causes you select. Many times, your advisor is the first contact with PCF regarding your interests.

7. Who manages my donation?

Funds are invested and managed by professional financial specialists serving the Pinellas Community Foundation Investment Oversight Committee and the board of governors.

PCF is glad to work directly with your financial advisor at the local bank of your choice. Your trust is held at one of 10 local trustee banks. This careful system of oversight ensures your goals and objectives are consistently met or exceeded.

8. What assets can I use to establish a fund?

PCF accepts a wide variety of gifts, making giving flexible and customizable to you. Real estate, stocks, bonds and other gifts of appreciated property may be leveraged to establish the fund that addresses your charitable interests. It is our goal to make giving for Pinellas a simple and expeditious process. For a copy of the PCF gift acceptance policy, contact a PCF giving specialist.

9. Do I have to open a trust fund to donate?

No, you have myriad options for making your donation support Pinellas County. Becoming a Pinellas Community Foundation member is a great way to start. Your gift of any amount makes a difference. Since your donation is combined with others and invested for long-term growth, your gift has a more powerful impact.

10. What is the difference between a community foundation and a private or family foundation?

PCF offers the advantages of a private foundation at a considerably lower cost of administrative and legal fees you may encounter. PCF manages all aspects of reporting, and advises donors on smart and effective grant-making programs.

Some PCF donors still have private foundations, but may also use a PCF fund to support causes and nonprofits that are outside the general focus of their private foundation.

More important, PCF is a public charity, and offers donors tax advantages that are often superior to those accorded to private foundation donors.

While you have complete administrative control with a private or family foundation, PCF assumes the time-consuming administrative and reporting requirements for you. The process for creating a fund with PCF can be managed in one day, rather than several months.

11. How can I keep up-to-date on PCF news and activities?

Sign up today to receive the PCF newsletter and news announcements. If you care to speak to one of the staff, please call 727-531-0058.

Pinellas Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered with the state of Florida. A copy of the official registration and financial information for Pinellas Community Foundation (CH3646) may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or visiting www.FDACS.gov. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. Your gift may be tax-deductible; please consult your tax professional to explore your benefits.