Where High-Impact Philanthropy Happens: A Personalized Approach to Giving  

At Greater Houston Community Foundation, we’re passionate about helping individuals and families like yours achieve their philanthropic goals. Whether you’re just starting to explore the world of philanthropy or have been a long-time supporter of our community, our team provides personalized service and guidance every step of the way. 

Personalized Approach to Giving 

When you meet with our team, you can expect a warm, welcoming, and professional experience. We believe that every individual and family has a unique story and set of goals, and we’re committed to listening carefully to understand your intentions and aspirations. Our team will work closely with you to: 

• Understand your philanthropic goals and areas of interest 
• Help you establish a donor advised fund or other type of fund that aligns with your values and goals 
• Provide guidance on how to make the most of your charitable giving, including tax strategies and asset utilization 
• Serve as an efficient administrative solution by handling the logistics of your charitable giving allowing you to focus on your philanthropic mission. 
• Provide educational opportunities to help you stay informed and engaged in our community and learn from others. 
• Customized research and consulting to address your most pressing needs and questions. 

What You Can Expect 

When you meet with our team of philanthropic advisors, you can expect: 

• Experience Tailored Philanthropy. When you engage with our team of philanthropic advisors, you’re embarking on a personalized journey toward impactful charitable giving. Unlike the impersonal systems of large institutional donor advised fund platforms, where dedicated support is often scarce, our team is committed to providing you with individualized attention and expert guidance every step of the way. Whether you prefer a one-on-one consultation or wish to involve your legal, tax, or financial advisors in our discussions, we’ll work collaboratively to assess your unique circumstances and craft the most effective charitable tax strategy tailored to your needs. 

• Understanding Your Philanthropic Aspirations. Our philanthropic advisors take the time to explore the causes that resonate most deeply with you—be it the arts, health care, social services, environmental conservation, education, or community development. Additionally, we strive to understand the role you envision for the successor advisors named in your fund documentation. This dialogue is crucial as it ensures that those you’ve entrusted with your legacy, such as your children, are prepared to uphold your philanthropic intentions long after you’re no longer able to manage the fund yourself. 

• Expanding Your Philanthropic Portfolio. As we navigate your charitable ambitions, our experienced team may uncover opportunities to establish additional funds that align with your giving goals. Many fundholders find value in creating complementary funds—such as designated funds for specific nonprofit organizations or unrestricted funds to support the overarching mission of the community foundation in perpetuity. Often, donors choose to make recurring contributions across multiple funds, thereby diversifying their philanthropic impact and meeting various community needs. 

• Streamlined Administrative Support. Navigating the administrative aspects of philanthropy should be straightforward, and we ensure that it is. Our commitment is to simplify the paperwork process, whether you’re updating an existing donor advised fund, establishing a new fund, or expanding your portfolio with additional fund types. We will prepare concise and clear documentation that articulates your intentions, collects essential contact details, and reflects your vision for your fund or funds during your lifetime and beyond. 

• Strategizing for Maximum Impact. As you review your financial landscape alongside your advisors, we encourage you to consider the potential advantages of contributing appreciated assets to your fund. Such gifts can yield notable capital gains tax savings, making them ideal for enhancing your philanthropic impact. Our team is ready to collaborate with you and your advisors to facilitate contributions of diverse assets, including closely held stock and real estate, while guiding you through the necessary appraisal and documentation processes. 

• Connecting You with Community and Learning Opportunities. We believe that ongoing education and connection are vital aspects of effective philanthropy. During our meetings, we will give you a calendar of upcoming programs designed to enrich your understanding of the causes you care about and to keep you informed about community developments. By working with the Foundation and engaging with fellow fundholders, you’ll be empowered to stay current on various impactful initiatives and discover new avenues for support. 

Our dedicated team of philanthropic advisors is here to elevate your philanthropic journey, ensuring that your giving creates lasting change in the communities you cherish most. 

Your Trusted Philanthropic Partner 

At Greater Houston Community Foundation, we’re proud to be a trusted partner for individuals and families who are committed to making a difference in our community. We believe that every person has the power to create positive change, and we’re dedicated to helping you achieve your philanthropic goals. 

If you’re already a fundholder, we’re grateful for your trust and commitment. If you’re ready to start your philanthropic journey, we look forward to continuing the conversation! Contact Kevin Pickett to learn more about how we can help you achieve your philanthropic goals.  

More Helpful Articles by Greater Houston Community Foundation: 

• How to Give Back to Your Community
• The Importance of Charitable Giving in Financial and Estate Planning
• How to Start a Scholarship Fund
• The Balance Between Recognition and Anonymity in Philanthropy: Which one’s for you?  

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