How to Start a Fund

It is easy to help your client establish a personal charitable fund and the task can be completed in a few days.  

  1. First, decide what type of contribution the client would like to use to establish the fund.  A donor can contribute cash, securities, or other property.

  2. Select a name for the fund.  Clients can use their own name, the name of a family member or one they invent.

  3. Designate fund advisors such as the client and spouse, and successor advisors such as children.

  4. Complete and sign a simple governing document that we will provide and help customize for the donor.  See our sample agreements.


Once the fund is established, donors may:

  • Add to the fund at any time with any dollar amount.
  • Specify how grant disbursements are to be acknowledged:  in the name of the fund or anonymously.
  • If a Donor Advised Fund has been established, the donor may recommend distributions from their fund to qualified charities, locally or throughout the United States.
Ready to get started?  Need more answers?  Call Leslie Karotkin at 303.300.1790 or send an e-mail.

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