Field of Interest Funds
Field of Interest Funds empowers donors to support a specific area of focus, like art, recreation, or a specific community.
Once designated, the grant dollars from that fund are directed toward addressing the most critical issues within the chosen field of interest. A field of interest fund allows donors to impact the issue areas they care about most while providing flexibility to address emerging needs in that field. These funds also create an invitation for others who care about that interest area to contribute to the fund.
How it Works
Here are the steps involved in establishing a Field of Interest Fund:
Conversation: Having a conversation with the staff of the foundation is the first step in determining if a field of interest fund is the right fit for your philanthropic goals.
Identification of Interest: Identify area(s) of personal interest for which you’d like to provide permanent support.
Fund Establishment: We create a dedicated fund with the name you have chosen, for example, a family name or the name of the interest area the fund will support.
Contribution: Make a gift to your community foundation, either during your lifetime or through a bequest in your will. This can include cash, appreciated stocks, real estate, or other assets. This is a great time to start thinking about estate gift planning to continue supporting the fund after you’re gone.
Tax Benefits: Enjoy tax advantages in the year of your donation.
Grant Distribution: Our staff and grantmaking committee work closely with local organizations to solicit grant requests that match community needs and funding priority areas. The committee and board then award grants in the name of the fund you establish (if you prefer, grants can be made anonymously).
Administrative Support: We handle all administrative tasks, including nonprofit compliance, communication with prospective grant recipients, coordination of the grant, and due diligence after the award is made.
Impact Updates: Stay informed with regular updates on the fund's impact. These updates often include photos from the organization.
Benefits
When establishing the fund, you choose the area of focus, while the Foundation takes care of administration and maintenance tasks. Our staff, board, and committees regularly assess evolving community needs to ensure that grants issued in the fund's name have the greatest impact in your chosen field of interest, thereby contributing to your personal legacy of giving.
You have the flexibility to contribute any amount to the Field of Interest Fund at any time, and others who share your community interests can also contribute.
Current Funds
Amy Reinke Deer Safe Driving Fund
Arts & Culture
Education, Reading & Literacy
Harold & Carolyn Robison Foundation Fund
Health & Medical
Huron County Agricultural Experience Fund
Huron County Economic Development Fund
Huron County Young Professionals Network Fund
Huron Medical Center Fund
Huron Natural Areas Preservation Fund
Joan Hanson Memorial Fund
Judge Neil R. MacCallum Memorial for Disadvantaged Youth
Paul F. Streussnig Sr. - Murphy's Bakery Fund for Bad Axe
Pigeon Community Fund
Recreation Resources
Women In Stem Fund
Youth - YAC
Next Steps
If you have any questions or would like to inquire about establishing a Field of Interest Fund contact Mackenzie, HCCF Executive Director at (989) 269-2850 or by email at mackenzie@huroncounty.com.
All gifts and funds are subject to HCCF policies, including the Gift Acceptance Policy and required fund minimums.
