Everyone wants to make the wisest use of their money and reap the most benefits. The Columbia Foundation has a plan to fit almost any financial or estate planning strategy to accomplish those goals.
Our highly personalized service is tailored to each individual’s charitable interests and financial objectives. And we accept a wide variety of assets and can facilitate even the most complex forms of giving.
Investment Policies
As of year-end 2006, our assets totaled more than $12 million. Our endowment fund is managed by our Investment Committee in consultation with The Jeffrey Group at Smith Barney, Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust Company, and Merrill Lynch. All contributions to the endowment fund are invested, and the income generated provides grant funds and supports Foundation operations.
The Columbia Foundation supports organizations that contribute to the quality of life in Howard County in the areas of human services, the arts, education, and community affairs. We do not fund religious or sectarian activities, medical research, or requests from individuals.
Recognizing Opportunities To Give
By suggesting charitable giving as part of a financial or estate plan, you’re providing an important service to the community — and to your client. You might find that your clients are just waiting for you to suggest ways they can give back to the community and create a legacy. By discussing charitable giving, you’ll be providing a value-added service that will be appreciated by your clients and the nonprofits who benefit from their gifts.
The Columbia Foundation provides a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving. To help your clients reap all the benefits of this rewarding type of philanthropy, listen for charitable giving opportunities like these...
- Estate Planning: Charitable giving is an essential part of any estate planning toolkit, and The Columbia Foundation offers many ways of setting up funds to benefit donors, their heirs — and the community.
- Year-end tax planning: Establishing a fund in our endowment provides an immediate tax deduction.
- Appreciated stock: Transferring appreciated stock to the Foundation avoids capital gains entirely on the gift and provides a tax benefit on the appreciated value.
- An unexpected windfall: Your client can share the good fortune of an inheritance or an especially large bonus with the community while receiving maximum tax benefits.