Endowment Fund Program

Programs and services are too often measured by who benefits today. Truly innovative and successful programs and services that sustain success for future generations will be viewed as a milestone of greatness.

The Sterling Heights Community Foundation recognizes that today’s philanthropists are donors and investors who seek to make their giving as uncomplicated and effective as possible. Giving in partnership with the foundation’s Fields of Interest Endowment Program offers simplicity, flexibility and maximum tax advantages and access to funds established to meet community needs.

You may give a gift directly supporting one of the existing Endowment Funds or you may start your own Endowment Fund to meet your specific goals and interests. Endowment Funds are permanent funds where only the earnings are used for future grant distribution. The principal is held in perpetuity and is invested for growth.

The foundation welcomes contributions and bequests of any amount. Gifts may be made during one's lifetime, or as a gift through a bequest or trust. Besides the impact to the community, your gift to the Foundation offers numerous benefits including perpetuity, tax advantages, flexibility and professional management.

Accepted Donations:
The Community Foundation accepts many different types of gifts, including:

Appreciated securities
Bequests
Cash
Checks
Charitable Gift Annuity
Charitable Remainder Distribution from an IRA
Charitable Trusts
Insurance policies
Personal Property
Real estate
Remaining Retirement Plan Assets

A gift can be made in your name, anonymously or in memory of a loved one.

We also offer a “Build a Legacy” program where an individual may contribute $1,000 per year for five years to build a new Permanent Endowment Fund which is formally established once the $5,000 minimum threshold is achieved. The funds are invested in the interim, along with other Foundation funds, to help build the new Permanent Endowment.

All Permanent Endowment Funds are perpetual, in accordance with the I.R.S. 501 (c ) (3) rules which the Foundation abides by, and are accorded the maximum tax deduction by the IRS. The principal of each Fund is never touched and only the interest and earnings of any of the Permanent Endowment Funds are contributed to each named cause. The Funds are established to benefit the causes dear to each donor in the name of their choosing forever.

To make a donation or for more information, please contact the Community Foundation at 586-446-2470 or fill out our Annual Giving Fund Request form.