A supporting organization is an excellent alternative to a private foundation; it has the advantages of a private foundation without the restrictive IRS regulations. You help select the board members, plus, you choose the investments and make grants to the causes you care about most, while enjoying the favorable tax treatment, immediate startup, and ease of administration associated with working through the Lincoln Community Foundation.

Though connected to the Foundation, the supporting organization you establish is a separate charitable entity – that bears your name, the name of your family or business, or honors any person or organization you choose.

You select some of your board of directors, but to benefit from your affiliation with a public charity, the Lincoln Community Foundation must assign the rest. You and future generations may appoint successor board members to help direct the supporting organization you establish and define its purpose and mission.

Your contributions may yield a greater tax deduction than those made to a private foundation, and the supporting organization is not subject to other private foundation rules and regulations, such as paying an excise tax or making a minimum payout each year. Working through the Lincoln Community Foundation, you have the choice of receiving recognition or remaining anonymous in your giving.

Several efficiencies preserve your charitable assets and allow you to make the impact you desire. The startup and administration is simple and allows your board to begin issuing grants right away. And through the years, the Lincoln Community Foundation provides local grantmaking expertise, reporting services, and management of the supporting organization's assets by investment professionals.

Example Story
Maximum involvement, reduced work.
Ethel and Dave were about to sell their decades-old family business. Over the last couple of years, they had discussed using a portion of the proceeds to establish a charitable foundation. Their community had given them their livelihood, and they wanted to say "thank you." They also want to enjoy their retirement. Ethel and Dave were surprised at the time, energy, and money it takes to start and manage a private foundation. They wanted to make a big and positive impact but were not sure that they could consistently identify their community's most pressing needs. After talking to their professional advisor, Ethel and Dave decided to establish The Ethel and Dave Doe Foundation for Giving, a supporting organization affiliated with the Lincoln Community Foundation. Their son and granddaughter sit on the board with them, so they get the involvement and togetherness they were looking for.

There is so much more we'd like you to know. For more information and ideas on ways to integrate charitable giving with a financial plan, ask your financial advisor or contact the Lincoln Community Foundation at (402) 474-2345 or lcf@lcf.org. We will be happy to work with you and/or your advisor to determine the most effective ways to accomplish your charitable goals.

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_{2003 Council on Foundations and Community Foundations of America}