what matters most

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

What Matters Most

What matters mostWhat matters most to you? A level playing field for all kids when they start school? Access to healthy food? Safe and affordable housing? Employment opportunities? A thriving economy? Giving back?

Since 1925 we’ve supported hundreds of organizations and thousands of people from communities throughout Kalamazoo County. Because community matters. And when community matters, people protect it, care for it and care for the people in it.

The truth is, our community still has needs, and we believe by working together, as a community, we can make Kalamazoo County a place where every person can reach full potential — a place where we all love to live.

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Our workWe envision a community where we all acknowledge the inherent value of all our neighbors. A community where every person is loved, cared for, encouraged and empowered. A community where every person has the opportunity to reach full potential. A community where every person matters. We offer a variety of ways for you to help us make that vision a reality and address needs in Kalamazoo County. You can choose to give a gift to an existing fund or establish a fund of your own, and you can do this during your lifetime or through your estate plan. Gifts given to the Community Foundation become part of a permanent endowment, which means they’ll benefit Kalamazoo County forever. We invest your gifts so they grow and maximize the resources available to address community needs. We support Kalamazoo County nonprofits addressing immediate community needs, as well as those collaborating with others to create long-term, transformative change. Our grantmaking process is unique. We combine our knowledge and experience with your input. We thoughtfully assess community needs, go on site visits, ask tough questions and encourage collaboration. We lead through collaboration and partnerships. This enables us to leverage resources better and achieve more than if we work in isolation.

Your givingEvery day you make choices about how you use your money. We are here to help you think about the choices you make related to your charitable giving and take your giving to the next level — to make your philanthropy as personal, meaningful and fulfilling as possible. No matter how much you give, your philanthropic strategy will be meaningful when it is aligned with your values, life experiences, interests and desire to make Kalamazoo County a community where every person can reach full potential. Give Now You can start supporting our community now with an outright gift of:

• Cash • Securities (stock, bonds and most mutual funds) • Real estate • Life insurance Give Later Or you can give through your estate plan by designating us as the beneficiary of:

• A bequest • Your retirement plan • A life insurance policy Giving through your estate plan enables you to maintain control of your assets during your lifetime, support our community, and possibly give more than you ever thought you could.


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Your optionsThe Community Foundation has hundreds of funds. Some have very specific purposes. Others provide resources we use to address Kalamazoo County’s greatest needs. You can add to any of these funds or establish a new one. Whichever option you choose, your gift will help make Kalamazoo County a place where every person can reach full potential — a place where we all love to live. Fund Types

Advised Fund When you establish an Advised Fund, you choose which community needs the fund supports. These funds are convenient and flexible because you don’t have to choose one area of focus.

Designated Fund Designated Funds are established for the benefit of the nonprofit, educational or religious organization of your choice. These funds provide support now and enhance the resources availabe to the nonprofit in the future.

Field-of-Interest Fund When you establish a Field-of-Interest Fund, you focus your giving on the community need you care about most. Your gift remains flexible to address needs in your interest area, even as they change over time.

Scholarship Fund Scholarship Funds can support undergraduate and graduate education, professional development and other educational enrichment opportunities. Our Scholarship team will help you determine the criteria students must meet to receive the scholarship you establish.

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Another thoughtAnother thought for you to consider is giving an unrestricted gift. An unrestricted gift is one of the most powerful ways you can help create a community where every person can reach full potential. This kind of gift offers the ultimate in flexibility, ensuring there will be resources tomorrow for needs we can’t even imagine today. We use our unrestricted resources to:

• Address current community needs. • Invest in the work of organizations that are collaborating with others to make long-term, transformative change. Establish an Unrestricted Fund

When you establish an Unrestricted Fund, you set no restrictions on the use of your gift and enable us to do what we do best: use our community knowledge and expertise to ensure our resources make the greatest impact possible. Give to a Spirit of Community Fund

As an alternative to creating an Unrestricted Fund of your own, you can give to our general Spirit of Community Fund. Or, if you’re interested in supporting a particular area of need, you can give to one of our focused Spirit of Community Funds:

• Economic and Community Development • Education and Learning • Environment • Health • Housing • Individuals and Families • Youth Development • Partners in Education Scholarship

Here’s what you can expect from us when you make a gift. Stability We have been helping our donors love where they live and support the community needs that matter most to them since 1925 and we will continue to do so forever. Knowledge We possess an unparalleled base of knowledge and connections built through nearly a century of community involvement and leadership. We apply this knowledge to ensure your gift is used as you intend, and that the needs and community you care about are supported. Impact We support Kalamazoo County nonprofits addressing immediate community needs, as well as those collaborating with others to create long-term, transformative change. Whether you have a crystal clear concept of what you hope to accomplish with your gift, or only an idea that is just beginning to take shape, we can help. It only takes a simple phone call or email to set up a time to talk with a member of our Donor Relations team. We’re happy to welcome you to our office in downtown Kalamazoo or meet you somewhere that is convenient and comfortable for you. To get in touch with our team:

Call 269.381.4416

Email [email protected]

Visit www.kalfound.org/ourteam

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How we help

PhotographyThis publication was photographed by Terry Johnston of Terry Johnston Photography. The Kalamazoo Community Foundation is committed to environmental sustainability.This publication was printed locally with soy inks on recycled paper. When you are finished with it, please support our commitment to the environment by recycling it or passing it along to a friend.

Kalamazoo Community Foundation 402 East Michigan Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49007-3888

269.381.4416 www.kalfound.org

2015

Our Mission To make life better for all through leadership and stewardship of resources that last forever. Our Vision A community where every person can reach full potential. Our Core Values Excellence / Integrity / Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Our Strategy Equity / Education / Engagement

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