Making a Lasting Impact: A simple fund agreement and an initial tax-deductible gift are all you need to create a personal giving vehicle. The Foundation’s Philanthropy team will work with you to explain the benefits of the various types of funds available and answer any questions you may have. The two most popular funds are Designated Funds and Donor Advised Funds. All funds are restricted to support charitable work in the Telluride Foundation’s Service area (San Miguel & Ouray Counties, the towns of Nucla & Naturita and the town of Rico).

Designated Fund: You can establish a Designated Fund ‘DF’to support a particular area of focus (ex. Education or Healthcare).

Donor Advised Fund: You may also establish a Community Donor Advised Fund ‘CDAF’ that can support any number of non profit organizations across a wide range of focus areas.

How It Works

• • The Foundation’s Philanthropy team will work with you to determine which type of fund best meets your philanthropic goals.
  • You make a gift to the Telluride Foundation to open your fund — you may give cash, appreciated stocks, real estate, or other assets.
  • Your fund (DF or CDAF) is set up in your name, in the name of your family or business, or in honor of any person or organization you choose.
  • You receive allowable tax benefits in the year(s) gifts are made to your Fund.
  • Your gift is placed into an account that is invested over time. Depending on your charitable goals, your gift can be placed in a short-term (cash), mid-term or long-term investment.
  • Our Philanthropy team will then work with you to help you support the programs and/or non profits you care about most.
  • The Foundation handles all the administrative details ensuring that your Fund is deployed as you intended.
  • Your gift can be combined with others to increase its impact, and you can add to the Fund you establish at any time, receiving tax benefits with each new gift.
  • You can establish a Fund today and make funding recommendations now or in the future.

If you are interested in learning more about setting up a fund at the Telluride Foundation please reach out to the Foundation’s CEO Jason Corzine jason@telluridefoundation.org.

A Personal Connection

When Alex Dorado retired, he wanted a way to give more to his community.

“I’ve lived here my whole life, and now that I have more time and resources, I can give back to a number of causes and organizations that are very special to me,” he says. Alex and his financial advisor met with their community foundation to discuss ways Alex might increase the impact of his giving and gain maximum tax advantage. Alex chose to establish a Donor Advised Fund in his family’s name. He now meets with the community foundation’s professional program staff to recommend grants in the areas he cares about most. “Last year, based on my recommendations, the fund bought uniforms for an after-school sports league and supported an adult literacy program,” reports Alex. “This is a great way to stay involved and use what I have to make a difference in the community I love.”