Designated Agency Funds

Designated Agency Funds a specific nonprofit organization selected by you. Because it is an endowed fund, your gift provides not only immediate funding, but also the power of endowment to build value over time. Your favorite organization will benefit from ECF's investment stewardship and help with administrative details.

You, or other donors, can add to the fund at any time. If the organization you select ceases to exist or cannot fulfill its mission, the fund agreement you sign with the Foundation allows ECF to redirect the fund so that it continues to address your original charitable intent.

Nonprofit organizations also can establish their own Designated Funds with ECF. It's a simple, efficient way to develop sustainability for your nonprofit organization. ECF handles investment management and the administrative responsibilities related to endowment. Your organization's staff and volunteer hours are concentrated on fulfilling your mission.

Your donors can be sure that the endowment fund's principal will not be spent and can grow over time, providing a source of lasting support. And the community foundation's economies of scale provide your organization the benefits of a diverse investment portfolio and low investment fees that typically come only with very large funds.

Your organization's annual donors can leave a bequest through ECF to benefit your organization perpetually and create a personal legacy. The community foundation can facilitate even the most complex planned gifts or gifts of appreciated stock or real estate.

Current Designated Agency Funds include:

• Center for Independent Futures (2008)
• Citizens' Lighthouse Community Land Trust (2006)
• Evanston Symphony Orchestra Fund (2004)
• Foster Reading Center (1998) 
• Evanston United Way (1997)