Q. What is a community foundation?

A community foundation is a collection of charitable funds and endowments formed by donors and others to provide support for nonprofit organizations, now and in the future. East Bay Community Foundation donors and grantees live or work primarily in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

Q. Is East Bay Community Foundation a "charity"?

Yes. The Foundation is a charitable organization under the tax code. Our primary role is to encourage, channel and administer East Bay philanthropy to benefit effective organizations serving our community. Most people give through the Foundation to the community by way of a charitable fund administered by the Foundation.

Q. What is the difference between the Foundation and the United Way?

The United Way raises money each year and distributes all that it collects to qualifying organizations (the charitable checkbook) that have been pre-designated. The Foundation manages permanently endowed funds which, for the most part, only distribute a portion of income in grants each year (the charitable savings account).

Q. Why establish a fund with the foundation instead of giving directly to a favorite charity?

Donors who want to ensure that their gifts will do the most good in the community and support organizations over the long term, find that community foundations offer them the expertise, flexibility and financial resources to give more to the community while gaining the maximum tax advantages for each contribution. Some donors also prefer to be shielded from fundraisers by giving through the auspices of the Foundation.

Q. What are the costs associated with keeping a fund with the Foundation?

The Foundation provides administrative and investment management services to donors, including gift acceptance and receipt, regular fund statements, filing of tax and legal documents, granting advice and more.

Q. Do I need to come to your office to discuss establishing a fund?

The Foundation's donor service department is happy to talk with you on the phone or visit you in your home or office to discuss a possible gift or gift plan. Setting up a fund usually takes about half an hour. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Director of Development, for more information.

Q. Can I give to organizations outside of the East Bay?

The Foundation can channel donor distributions anywhere in the country, and even in some cases outside the U.S., as long as recipients are nonprofit organizations qualified as 501(c)(3).