Personal Stories

Belinda Juran and Evan Schapiro: Helping to Maintain and Grow the Merrimack Valley’s Rich Cultural Tradition

As residents of the Merrimack Valley for the past 25 years, Belinda and Evan often took advantage of the rich and diverse cultural opportunities that the region offered. Unlike Boston, where the scene is dominated by large cultural institutions with a large donor base, the Merrimack Valley's arts scene typically consists of a more diverse group of smaller and less well-known organizations. So, Evan and Belinda were especially surprised to learn that the Merrimack Valley did not have a permanently endowed Arts Fund dedicated to the support of local cultural organizations. MORE

Peter S. Stamas: Dedicated to Education in Lowell for 17 Years

Peter’s Passion: Education and civic involvement.
As headmaster of Lowell High School for 17 years, Peter shaped the minds of Lowell’s future leaders and led by example. He believed community services was the way to better our region’s quality of life. More...

Why give through the GLCF?

Permanence and Stability

Your Gift Will Keep Giving

The Community Foundation exists as a permanent bank of funds for charitable purposes - a community savings account making sure that your gift will do good work - now and in the future. The Community Foundation honors and protects the charitable intentions of its donors in perpetuity.

Flexibility

Your Gift May Be Designated For a Specific Purpose

As you establish your own fund, you specify its purpose and can name specific organizations, types of charities or general causes. You can also contribute to existing Field of Interest funds and to the Discretionary pool, which is supervised by a community Distribution Committee and the Board of Directors.

Relevance

Your Gift Will Meet Changing Community Needs

Many donors place no restrictions on how funds are to be used. Even if the current intent of your gift becomes obsolete, the Community Foundation will ensure that the fund will continue to meet future needs.

Commemoration or Anonymity

Gifts Can Honor a Loved One or Associate or Kept Anonymous

The Community Foundation honors and protects your preferences. Grants from your fund will always be recorded according to your wishes. Such funds may be increased at any time by additional gifts.

Tax Advantage

Contributions Will Ease Your Tax Burden and Supply Financial Benefits

You may be able to increase the amount of your gift while achieving greater tax savings and/or income. Contributions to the Community Foundation qualify for maximum deductibility for income, gift and estate tax purposes. Those who create endowed funds, charitable remainder trusts or gift annuities receive a charitable tax deduction in the year the gift is given.

Experienced Investment and Grant Management

Your Fund Will Be Professionally Supervised

The Community Foundation’s Directors, Investment Committee, professional staff and investment managers provide prudent stewardship of donor funds. Most gifts to a community foundation are pooled for investment purposes, to take advantage of a fully diversified portfolio. Grants are managed according to established best practices.

Convenience

You Can Take Advantage Of One-Stop Giving

The Community Foundation affords you the benefits of having your own separate fund, a “foundation within the Foundation,” that is simple and convenient, without the customary burdens and expenses. The Community Foundation provides award letters, record keeping, investing and annual reporting through an independent audit. You receive annual reports on the progress of your fund.