Investing in the Vision

Charitable giving should be easy, flexible and effective

As a local center for philanthropy, the Athens Area Community Foundation works with individuals, families, corporations, private foundations and not-for-profit organizations to carry out their charitable objectives and address emerging community issues. We enable people with philanthropic interests to easily and effectively support the issues they care about - immediately, or through their will. Donors can establish a charitable Fund at the foundation by contributing a variety of assets and may recommend grants - in their name, if they choose - to nonprofit groups they want to support. The economy of scale offered by a pooled body of Funds helps maximize AACF’s investment returns while keeping costs low.

Community foundation staff can help you choose the type of fund to create - or the existing funds to support - based on your philanthropic goals and interests. Funds can be established during your lifetime or by bequest with gifts of cash, publicly held securities, privately held stock, real estate or personal property.

Establishing your own named charitable fund does not require great wealth and it isn't complicated. Plus:

• You can provide ongoing support to your favorite organizations.
• You can choose different nonprofit organizations to support each year during your lifetime.
• You can make your own choices, or take advantage of staff expertise to help you address the community's most pressing challenges.
• You have the opportunity to distribute gifts during your lifetime or to leave a lasting legacy in your will - or both.

Who Is Giving Through the Athens Area Community Foundation?

AACF holds a permanent, yet flexible, collection of long-term Funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to give something back in a way that matters to them. Current Funds at AACF:

• Steve Jones and Lillian Kincey Community Impact Fund (learn more)
• Sogo Japan Fund (learn more)
• OneAthens Fund
• Benson’s, Inc. Community Fund (learn more)
• Vivian and Mamie Fisher Educational Fund
• Heyward Allen Motor Co., Inc. Fund
• Kappa Sigma Community Fund
• Thornton Brothers, Inc. Fund
• E.H. Culpepper Memorial Fund
• Charles Briscoe Memorial Fund
• Barbara and Frank Rice Memorial Fund
• The Winthrop Family Fund
• Margaret M. Rodgers Memorial Education Fund
• Disaster Relief Fund

What kind of Fund will help me meet my charitable goals?

AACF strives to be a resource for donors and their professional advisors. Creating a fund during your lifetime gives you the chance to see your charitable dollars at work, set an example for your younger family members and enjoy the satisfaction of giving while simplifying the administrative paperwork. If you prefer, community foundation staff will work with you and your professional advisor to create estate planning strategies that preserve your charitable wishes long beyond your lifetime. You can name unlimited successor advisors to guide the fund when you are no longer able to do so. Through a variety of deferred gift options, you and your loved ones can enjoy financial security and provide resources for community needs to serve generations to come. Please look over the following resources and contact our office for more information 706-542-7044.