As a community foundation, The Dallas Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity
that enables people like you to easily and effectively support the issues and communities
they care about. The Foundation consists of named funds established by many separate
donors -- individuals, families, corporations, and organizations -- principally
for the benefit of the Dallas area. But the Foundation's work is as broad as the
interests of the donors who have entrusted their philanthropy to us.
Since the first gift to the Foundation in 1934, donors have been giving to charity
through The Dallas Foundation. The distinction between giving "to" and giving "through"
the Foundation is an important one. Because in a sense, the Foundation is not the
ultimate beneficiary of your gift. The Foundation is a tool to connect you with
charitable causes, both now and in the future, helping you achieve your long-term
charitable goals and enhancing the quality of life in our community.
So how does it work? You first decide what you want to achieve: Giving back to the
community by creating an endowment to meet its future needs? Ensuring that a favorite
cause or organization will receive support far into the future? Finding a way to
involve family members in philanthropy? Remembering a loved one in some way?
You then decide, in consultation with your professional advisors, how you want to
give -- through a lifetime gift, bequest, or deferred gift -- and what property
you want to contribute -- cash, stock, real estate, retirement accounts, or other
assets. Because we are a public charity, we can offer the most favorable tax treatment
possible for your gift.
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And then call us. Our professional staff will take it from
there, helping you select and structure the philanthropic fund that best meets your
goals. If you decide to join us, we'll help you develop a meaningful, personalized
giving plan tailored to your interests.
Perhaps you want to recommend the grant
recipients from the fund. Or designate the charities that will benefit. Or let the
Foundation's Board of Governors guide grantmaking as community needs change over
time. Whatever your goals, whatever the level of involvement you seek, we have the
flexibility and expertise to design a program that fits your circumstances.
The
Foundation exercises strict fiduciary responsibility over all its assets and provides
prudent stewardship of donor funds. Because gifts to a community foundation are
pooled for investment purposes, you also enjoy the advantage of a diverse portfolio
mix that minimizes risk and enhances the likelihood of a maximum return to charity
as your gift grows over time.
For more information about giving through The Dallas
Foundation, we invite you to contact Mary Jalonick, mjalonick@dallasfoundation.org or Gary W. Garcia at gwgarcia@dallasfoundation.org. |