[logo] East Tennessee Foundation

Advisor FAQ's

Do you have a question you don't see answered here? Or do you have a suggestion for a Frequently Asked Question we should add to this list? Email us at etf@etf.org or call us at (865) 524-1223.


What is East Tennessee Foundation?
East Tennessee Foundation is a nonprofit community foundation that manages and invests charitable funds for individuals, families, businesses and other nonprofit organizations.
Back to top

What is a community foundation?
A community foundation is a flexible, yet permanent collection of funds supported by a wide range of donors. Community foundations make grants to community groups from funds established by individuals, families, businesses, and others that want to support the work of nonprofits, schools, and other groups that address community concerns. There are more than 650 community foundations across the United States and four in Tennessee.
Back to top

How are you different from the commercial gift funds like Fidelity?
The Foundation offers more charitable products than the commercial gift funds and with competitive fees. The Foundation also offers the local, professional expertise of its staff to help connect your clients to the community causes they care about.
Back to top

What is the advantage of a community foundation over a private foundation?
A Gift Fund at the Foundation is less costly, in terms of both time and money, to establish than a private foundation. The Foundation can help your clients establish a Gift Fund in a matter days and handles all the administrative details. Establishing a private foundation can take months or longer, and they are responsible for substantial legal, accounting and operational matters. For a complete comparison, click here.
Back to top

How do I get my clients started?
Contact a member of the Foundation's Client Services Department to discuss the assets and types of Gift Funds that best fit your clients' charitable interests and financial situation.
Back to top

What are the tax advantages to all this?
While tax considerations vary according to assets, generally, your clients may deduct up to 50% their adjusted gross income (AGI) for cash contributions, and up to 30% of their AGI for gifts of highly appreciated assets such as publicly traded securities. As you know, tax laws and regulations change frequently. Your clients' tax situations are unique and likely to be affected by specific facts and circumstances that are beyond the Foundation's control or knowledge.
Back to top

 

How can the Foundation fit into my clients' estate plans?
The Foundation will work closely with you and your clients to help facilitate planned gifts of all types through their personal estate plans.
Back to top

 

Does the Foundation serve as trustee?
Yes, the Foundation offers several types of Charitable Trusts and provides administrative management and investment of your clients' assets.
Back to top

What if my clients want to keep this private?
The Foundation respects requests for anonymity. If your clients wish their Gift Fund to remain anonymous, they may name it accordingly. They may also indicate if they would like for all or occasional grant distributions from their Gift Fund to be anonymous on their Gift Fund Agreements.
Back to top

Can my clients make other gifts to their Gift Funds? How often?
Additional gifts to your clients' Gift Funds can be made in any amount and at any time.
Back to top

Is there a minimum amount for grant distributions?
The Foundation's current minimum grant distribution is $100.
Back to top

How often can my clients make distributions?
The Foundation allows unlimited grant distributions from Gift Funds.
Back to top

I work with a nonprofit organization - can it also open a fund?
Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to explore establishing a Gift Fund at the Foundation to insure fiscal perpetuity and to work with the Foundation's staff on planned giving programs.
Back to top