Designated Endowments
About Designated Endowments
Designated endowment funds provide long-term, sustainable support for the causes you care about. Your gift is invested to grow over time, and each year, a portion is distributed to support nonprofits and community initiatives while the rest remains invested to ensure continued growth.
Types of Designated Endowment Funds
We offer a variety of fund options to match your goals and interests:
Unrestricted Funds (Community Impact Fund and KCF Operations Fund)
Support the community’s greatest needs—wherever and whenever they arise.Field of Interest Funds
Focus your giving on a specific area, such as education, environment, health, or the arts.Designated Funds
Provide ongoing support to one or more specific organizations you care about.Donor Advised Funds
Stay actively involved in your giving by recommending grants over time.Scholarship Funds
Help students pursue education and opportunity.
Explore our Funds
Discover the funds already making a difference across the Keweenaw, and find one that aligns with what matters most to you.
The Power of Endowment
Endowment funds are a powerful way to give, creating impact today and into the future.
Give once, support forever. Your gift continues to generate funding year after year.
Grow your impact over time. Investments allow your fund to increase in value and expand its reach.
Provide stability for nonprofits. Endowment distributions offer reliable, consistent funding.
Build a legacy. Your values and priorities live on through the fund you create.
Strengthen the Keweenaw. Endowments help ensure our community has the resources it needs—now and in the future.
Give to an Existing Fund
Support the causes you care about—right now.
You can make a gift to any existing fund at the Keweenaw Community Foundation. Whether you’re passionate about education, the environment, local history, or community well-being, there are funds already making an impact in those areas.
Every gift—no matter the size—helps grow these funds and expand their ability to support the community.
How to Establish an Endowment Fund
Create a fund that reflects what matters most to you. Starting a designated endowment fund is simpler than you might think. We work with you to design a fund that aligns with your goals and values.
Step 1: Start the Conversation
Connect with our development team to talk through your interests, ideas, and giving goals.
Step 2: Choose the Fund Type
Select the type of fund that best reflects how you want to make an impact.
Step 3: Name the Fund
Many donors choose to name the fund after their family, a loved one, or a cause they care about.
Step 4: Submit Fund Agreement
Work with our team to finalize and submit the fund agreement with the Keweenaw Community Foundation.
Step 5: Make Your Gift
Establish the fund with an initial contribution. Additional gifts can be made over time.
Step 6: Put the Fund to Work
We handle the investment, administration, and distributions, so the fund can begin making an impact.
Have Questions?
For more information or questions about becoming a donor, starting a fund, or other topics related to community giving, contact Vienna Leonarduzzi, Director of Development and Communications.
