Starting a Fund

Individuals, families, companies and organizations can establish a fund with a minimum gift of $2,000 and build over a five-year period, or immediately start a fund with a $10,000 donation.  Named discretionary funds require a gift of $5,000.

A variety of funds may be established to meet both your needs and the specific needs of the community.  BAF offers for the establishment of several unique types of funds:

Discretionary or Unrestricted­ – Address the community’s most pressing needs and promising opportunities as they change over time.  These funds allow for maximum flexibility to respond to our communities’ most pressing and compelling needs.

Donor Advised Funds – Allow you to remain actively involved in your giving.  You make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding distribution of gifts from your fund.

Designated Funds – Ideal for individuals who wish to support specific organizations or charitable programs.

Scholarship Funds – Provide access to education for deserving students.  Funds may be tailored to support students attending a specific school, studying a particular field, or graduating from a specified school; they may address specific financial needs such as tuition, books, boarding, or stipends.  Donors define selection criteria for each fund.

Agency Endowments – Enable nonprofit organizations to ensure their own future through the creation of an endowment to support their operation and/or a particular program.

Field of Interest Funds – Benefit an area of need such as education or the arts rather than a specific charity.

Administrative Funds – Assists in the work of the foundation, and helps defray administrative expenses.

Regional/Geographic Funds – Serve defined geographic areas for purposes determined by the donors.