Funds can be established by individuals, families and businesses to support almost any charitable purpose with a gift of at least $5,000. Pending Funds are also available to individuals who lack the present requisite minimums to create a fund but anticipate being able to complete such funding within five years.

Unrestricted Funds
Through the establishment of an unrestricted fund, donors permit the Foundation to respond to the changing opportunities and needs in Crawford County with grants to deserving organizations.

Restricted Funds
Restricted Funds are those for which the donor's preferences or designations play a defined role in the grantmaking process. These funds include:

● Area of Interest Funds

Donors identify broad areas of interest to them (for example, arts, education or youth) toward which the Foundation directs funding.

● Donor Advised Funds

Donors make grant recommendations to the Foundation and may vary their recommendations or change their charitable priorities at any time.

● Donor Designated Funds

Donors identify specific organizations or programs which are to consistently receive grants from their funds.

● Scholarship Funds

Donors or Businesses create a scholarship fund and may dictate criteria for the recipients such as underprivileged students, field of study, or academic merit.

“My wife, Lynn, and I have included a bequest as part of our estate plan. Thirty years ago you could leave a few thousand dollars in your will for a bank to administer a trust. They would take care of making sure the earnings went to charity each year after your death. These days, it’s not worth it to them unless you have at least half a million dollars. The Foundation was created to fill this gap. A fund can be created with as little as $5,000. And, you choose who the fund will benefit—your church, the YMCA, United Way or any charitable organization you believe in.”