Planning for the Future: How Private Foundations Can Live On Through Community Foundation Funds
For founders of private foundations, deciding how to ensure their charitable legacy continues can be both meaningful and complex. Whether due to aging family members, increasing administrative burdens, or simply the desire to step away from an active management role, many private foundations eventually consider sunsetting—or winding down operations.
At the Huron County Community Foundation, we’re seeing private foundations choose a new path forward: transitioning into a field of interest or designated fund held at a community foundation. It’s a way to keep the spirit, purpose, and legacy of the original foundation alive without the challenges that often come with managing a private foundation long-term.
Why Consider a Sunset Plan?
Sunsetting a private foundation doesn’t mean its mission disappears. In fact, with thoughtful planning, it can mean just the opposite: a more focused, flexible, and lasting approach to giving.
Here’s why a transition might make sense:
Reduced administrative workload. Say goodbye to annual tax filings, board meetings, and grant administration. The community foundation takes care of the back-office work.
Lower costs, more impact. Eliminating administrative expenses means more dollars go directly to the causes you care about.
Perpetual giving, simplified. With an endowment at HCCF, your legacy lives on in Huron County for generations to come.
Confidence in stewardship. Our experienced team ensures your charitable wishes are honored, now and in the future.
Continue operating your private foundation just as it is for as long as you want, but when you’re ready to step away, do so with confidence because you have a plan in place for continuing your organization’s impact forever.
Field of Interest vs. Designated Fund
Field of Interest Funds support a specific cause or community need, such as education, environmental conservation, or the arts. These funds provide flexibility to respond to changing needs over time while staying true to your charitable vision.
Designated Funds are created to support one or more specific nonprofit organizations. If your private foundation has consistently supported the same organizations, this may be the ideal fit.
Both options allow donors to set clear parameters while relying on the community foundation to carry out their intent.
Carrying on a Legacy: The Harold and Carolyn Robison Foundation Story
CAN Council’s Rolling Resource Center brings services and resources to kids and families where they are instead of requiring a drive.
The Harold and Carolyn Robison Foundation existed for 60 years, making a lasting difference through its charitable giving. Their Huron County grantmaking focused on supporting education, mothers and children, and basic needs services.
After much consideration, the foundation’s leaders made the difficult decision to sunset the private foundation. But that didn’t mean the end of their impact. To continue the Robison family’s legacy of giving in Huron County, they created an endowed field of interest fund at the Huron County Community Foundation.
This fund ensures that the Robison Foundation’s values and mission will continue. The fund will continue supporting the same kinds of local causes they cared about deeply without the administrative burden that comes with operating a private foundation.
Their story is a powerful example of how decades of impact can be preserved and even expanded by partnering with a community foundation.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Private foundations build a legacy of generosity. Sunsetting doesn’t have to mean the end of that legacy, especially when you choose to continue your foundation’s work through a fund at HCCF.
If you or your family are considering the next chapter for your private foundation, we’d be honored to help. We’ll work closely with you and your professional advisors to develop a plan that reflects your values, honors your legacy, and keeps giving simple and sustainable.
Contact us today to learn more about sunset plans, endowment options, and how HCCF can help carry your legacy forward.
mackenzie@huroncounty.com or 989-269-2850