Frequently Asked Questions

Texas Forest Country Community Foundation (TFCCF) recognizes the importance of solid legal and financial counsel. Although TFCCF offers all services necessary to maintain a fund, it does not intend to replace a trusted professional Advisor. Instead, TFCCF partners with Advisors, aiming to strengthen the bond between Clients and Advisors by providing highly effective intelligent approaches to charitable giving.

Can clients personalize the agreement?

Clients come with diverse philanthropic goals, ranging from capital campaigns to simple advised funds. Equally diverse are the types of assets used to open funds. No matter how routine or complex the situation, Texas Forest Country Community Foundation partners with professional Advisors to create an individualized plan for giving for each client. When requested, the TFCCF also works to integrate established estate and financial plans into Donor Advised Funds or Charitable Endowment Funds.

How involved can clients be in grant making?

Further underscoring a commitment to personalization, TFCCF accommodates clients in their desire for involvement. Clients may choose to remain anonymous or to receive acknowledgment.

Is creating a fund complicated?

No. TFCCF functions as one comprehensive resource offering simple, effective solutions for Clients and Advisors. Our services include professional preparation of documents, financial reporting, distribution and receipting and all other administrative tasks required of a fund. Through TFCCF, Donors and Advisors may set up a fund and receive immediate tax benefits.

Why shouldn’t my client give directly to the organization(s) they wish to support?

Great Question! When your clients give to their favorite organizations through the TFCCF, they’re able to recommend contributions on their time-frame and have the flexibility of supporting any charitable organizations they wish. More importantly, we handle all of the administration, record keeping, and financial statements.

Through TFCCF, your clients’ giving is made simple. The Foundation is also equipped to accept a wide variety of assets, from cash and securities to real property and closely held stock.

Another benefit of using the TFCCF for your clients’ charitable giving activities is timeliness. With a Donor-Advised Fund(DAF), for example, not only does a Donor receive an immediate tax deduction for his or her contribution, but is assured that the described use of funds will be followed.

What are the tax benefits for my clients if they give through Texas Forest Country Community Foundation?

As a public charity, TFCCF offers the highest level of tax benefits for charitable giving. Thus, any asset invested with TFCCF immediately receives maximum tax benefits. The impact of an investment is further multiplied by pooling funds – a standard practice of TFCCF.

How much freedom would my clients have in recommending grant recipients?

Your clients can recommend a grant to any organization that falls within the broad philanthropic mission of TFCCF and is qualified as a charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. TFCCF will ensure that groups recommended for a grant meet this requirement. Your clients can recommend a very broad range of intended beneficiaries within the above limitations.

Can my clients name a successor to the fund?

Yes, your clients can name a successor or successors to the fund.  If they do not name a successor or after the successor’s death, the TFCCF Board of Directors will continue to distribute the funds or their perpetual income in accordance with your clients’ wishes.

Can charitable funds established with Texas Forest Country Community Foundation benefit areas other than the twelve counties the foundation serves?

Our role is to help clients create funds that carry out their charitable goals, be that in Texas Forest Country or elsewhere. TFCCF donors have the ability to recommend grants to any U.S. based nonprofit organization, many of which serve the needs of individuals around the world.

What type of asset can my clients use to start a fund?

The Texas Forest Country Community Foundation has the ability to accept a range of assets including:

• Cash
• Stocks and bonds
• Real estate, surface and mineral interests
• Beneficiary named on Life Insurance Policies
• Beneficiary named on a 401(K), an IRA or other retirement plan