Ways You Can Give

The Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation (SVCF) is a unique nonprofit organization dedicated to helping donors like you support the causes that matter most to you. Our primary goal is to maximize the resources that flow back into the community, amplifying the positive impact across the Sheyenne Valley.

We have a well-defined investment strategy that is set and monitored by the Investment Committee, with long-term objectives in mind. This strategy ensures a consistent flow of funds for grant-making and community initiatives while minimizing risk and preserving the value of donated assets.

Tax Benefits

FEDERAL AND STATE TAX BENEFITS

Donations to the SVCF generally qualify for deductions on both your federal and state income tax returns. For more information, please consult your professional advisor or tax preparer.

ND CHARITABLE INCOME TAX CREDIT

Through the ND Charitable Income Tax Credit, you may be eligible to claim a credit of 40% on a minimum donation of $5,000 to a qualified endowment, in addition to the savings you receive on your federal tax return.

ND Tax Benefits & info

Funds

The Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation offers a variety of ways to give, ranging from the popular donor-advised fund to endowed field-of-interest funds that allow you to make a lasting impact on causes you deeply care about. While we have summarized our types of funds below, the best way to discover the giving option that suits you best is to reach out to us. Please call Andrea Nelson at (701) 490-1596 to schedule a time to explore the ways you can contribute to ensuring generosity thrives in the Sheyenne River Valley.

types of funds

Field of Interest Fund

You have the opportunity to define the general purpose of the fund, such as education, arts, health, or specific geographic areas. The Community Foundation then identifies projects and nonprofit organizations that effectively achieve those goals. The SVCF awards grants to community organizations and programs making a difference in your chosen area.

Donor Advised Fund

The donor-advised fund is one of the most popular and flexible giving vehicles. It allows you to make a tax-deductible gift to your fund and address the issues and causes that matter most to you. You have the ability to recommend changes to the charity benefiting from your fund each time you make a distribution. We then distribute the grant dollars in your fund's name or anonymously, based on your wishes. You can also involve your family in the fund's charitable grant-making. Donor-advised funds can be either permanently endowed or non-endowed.

Supporting Organization

A Supporting Organization provides an excellent alternative for individuals who want to avoid the burdens of starting their own private foundation. By establishing a Supporting Organization, you can enjoy lower administrative costs, greater tax benefits, no payout requirements, and greater privacy. You maintain a separate identity, mission, and board of directors while supporting the causes and organizations you care about. Simultaneously, you benefit from the favorable tax advantages associated with a public charity.

Designated Fund

A designated fund allows you to support specific nonprofits, which receive the proceeds from the fund on an annual basis for generations to come. Many donors recognize that their annual gifts provide critical resources for the nonprofit organizations they support. If the organization you've designated ceases to exist, we ensure that the funds are redirected to an organization that aligns with your charitable intent, so your generosity continues to benefit the community as you envisioned.

Unrestricted Fund

An unrestricted gift is a versatile contribution that can address the ever-changing needs of our community. Unlike donations designated for specific agencies, causes, or areas of interest, unrestricted funds provide the Community Foundation with the flexibility to collaborate with nonprofits and the community at large.

At the Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation, we assess various aspects of community well-being, including basic human needs, arts and culture, community building, education, and more. By making an unrestricted gift, you empower the SVCF to effectively respond to the most pressing needs of our communities. These funds can be used for both endowed and non-endowed purposes, ensuring a sustainable impact for years to come.

existing funds

Explore our range of existing funds to find one that aligns with your giving goals. If you don't find a suitable option, you can contact Andrea Nelson to establish your own fund.

existing funds

establishing your fund

When you establish a fund through the Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation, you have the choice to recommend your own fund manager. These experienced advisors manage the donated funds according to the Foundations Investment Policy, becoming part of our fund manager portfolio. This allows you to retain your trusted advisor while leveraging the SVCF as the charitable arm to enhance the impact of your philanthropy.

Any fund can be established in your name, your family's name, your organization's name, or in honor of someone special to you. All grants distributed from the fund you establish, both now and in the future, are awarded to charities in the name of that fund. This not only allows you to actively participate in and be remembered for your community investment but also provides the option of remaining anonymous if you prefer.

To open an endowment fund, a minimum contribution of $5,000 is required, with funds expected to reach $25,000 within five years. Call our office today at 701-490-1596 to learn more about establishing a fund.

Call now

Gifts Accepted

At the Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation, we celebrate the fact that anyone, regardless of gift size, can make a lasting impact in the community. You can start supporting your favorite charities now through an outright gift or include them in your estate plan. Your gift holds significant value when it aligns with your values and supports the needs of local charities. Below are examples of gifts accepted at the Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation.

*Please note that all gifts to the Foundation are subject to board approval and adhere to our Gift Acceptance Policy. We recommend consulting with your financial advisor for personalized guidance.

Cash

A cash gift is the simplest and most straightforward way to contribute.

Stocks

Gifts of appreciated securities, such as stocks, bonds, and most mutual funds, offer a charitable deduction for the full market value of the donated asset while minimizing capital gains taxes.

Real Estate

A gift of real estate that you have owned for more than a year entitles you to a tax deduction based on the fair market value of the property.

IRA Gifts

Directly transferring an IRA Charitable Rollover distribution to the Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation not only eliminates income tax on the distribution but also counts towards your required minimum distribution.

Agriculture Commodity

Farmers can receive greater tax reductions by donating agricultural commodities instead of cash. The process is simple: deliver the commodity to your elevator and inform them that you would like it to be given to the Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation. Please contact us to inform us of the donation.

A gift in Your Will

By making a gift to the Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation, you can create or support a charitable fund that benefits the community indefinitely, serving as your personal legacy of giving. When defining your gift, you have the option to specify the Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation as the recipient of a stated dollar amount, a specific piece of property, a percentage of your total estate after distributions to other beneficiaries, or make it contingent on certain events. This simple approach allows you to utilize your assets during your lifetime while reducing the estate tax burden.

Retirement Assets

Naming SVCF as the beneficiary of your retirement funds held in your IRA, 401(k), or 403(b) is an easy way to leave a bequest and establish or contribute to a charitable fund. This strategy ensures that the funds are exempt from estate and income taxes, providing a simple and effective means to create a lasting legacy.

a gift of life insurance

Similar to your retirement accounts, the beneficiary designation form for your life insurance policies determines who will receive the funds. If you own the policies, you have the ability to name a charitable beneficiary. An effortless way to create a lasting legacy is by designating SVCF as the full or partial beneficiary on the required form. This is just one of the many avenues available for donating life insurance.

A philanthropic gift from your will, living trust, retirement plan, or other estate assets is an exceptional way to leave a lasting impact. Some planned gifts even offer the possibility of providing income during your lifetime or the lifetime of a loved one. Leaving a legacy gift is open to everyone, including individuals with moderate estates.

Consider leaving your legacy as it can be the most effective way to support a charity or cause you deeply care about, ensuring its lasting impact. By making a major gift, you provide enduring support to the causes or charities that matter most to you while securing your own permanent legacy.

There are numerous benefits to leaving a gift that honors your legacy. Certain types of gifts allow you to retain assets during your lifetime, offer valuable estate planning and tax advantages, and may even provide income. When you establish a charitable endowment at SVCF, your vision, and decisions are respected, guaranteeing your lasting impact on the community.

DONATE NOW