Kansas Rural Communities Foundation: Helping Rural Communities through funds, scholarships, community projects, and other charitable causes in Kansas

Why Give Through the Kansas Rural Communities Foundation?

Donors receive a number of benefits and incentives for charitable giving. Anyone, regardless of wealth or position, can create a charitable gift fund at KRCF. Donors can establish their own named fund for as little as $5,000 and can take up to 5 years to fulfill their initial contribution. Contributions can be made to existing funds at any time for any amount.

Donors know that their charitable wishes will be carried out in both present and future generations. Donors are assured that their gifts will be held in perpetuity and administered in accordance with their wishes. Unless donors choose to be anonymous, their names will be honored in perpetuity.
Donors can pool gifts with others’ contribution to increase charitable impact, provide a better investment return, and other efficient financial management. Funds are categorized as either short-term or long-term and the investments of each may be different.
Donors receive KRCF’s annual report, their annual fund statement, and information on other grant-making opportunities as desired.
Donors appreciate the ease of making a gift. After establishing a fund, there is no separate tax return to file. All grant paperwork and government reporting is handled by the KRCF.
Donors and contributors can contribute gifts at any time and to any specific charitable cause. Those who set up a specific fund are called donors. Contributors are those who give to existing funds.
Donors and contributors receive the maximum tax benefit from a gift. Contributions made through KRCF qualify as a maximum deduction for income, gift, and estate tax purposes.

Who Oversees the Investment of the Funds?

Through careful guidance by KRCF’s Investment and Finance Committee, investment decisions are made to achieve the highest return with the lowest risk. Any funds invested in stocks and bonds are professionally managed by the Trust Company of Manhattan.

What Assets can be Contributed to a Fund?

Outright gifts of cash, publicly traded or closely held stock, real estate, insurance, or other assets.
Bequests by will of cash or property.
Memorial tributes in honor of a friend or loved one or contributions in honor of anniversaries, birthdays, etc.
Life insurance naming the Foundation as beneficiary and owner.
Private foundation transfers in which your family foundation, private foundation, trust, or civic endowment transfers its assets to KRCF, while your fund retains its name and purpose. In some cases, the private foundation may choose to become a Supporting Organization to KRCF, thus achieving public foundation status. This approach saves management costs, excise taxes, and administrative burdens.
There is no minimum for a contribution to an existing fund.

How Long Does it Take to Establish a Fund?

A fund can be established quickly. You may choose any name you wish for the fund you establish. Funds may be increased at any time by additional gifts. Grants from the fund you established will always be recorded in the name of the fund, a lasting symbol of your caring. The length of time depends on the complexity of your wishes, but generally a fund can be established in a matter of days or weeks.

Is There a fee to Establish a Fund?

KRCF charges a $100 setup fee to establish a fund. In addition, there is an annual administrative fee, which is never more than one percent of the fund’s average monthly market value. KRCF currently does not charge fees for any scholarship funds.

How do I Create a Fund?

Most funds can be established in one brief meeting and can be funded with cash, securities, real estate, publicly traded or closely held stock, insurance, or other assets. Or you may wish to create a fund I n your will or through special charitable trust arrangements that benefit you and your family by providing them with life income while carrying out your charitable intent. All options provide you with maximum tax advantages while helping you invest in the growth of your community.

How do I Know I can Trust KRCF to Take Care of my Funds Over Time?

The primary purpose of a community foundation is to preserve and protect donors’ investments and charitable intentions while still providing as high a return on investment as possible. KRCF is organized to provide permanent investment and grant making protection for each donor’s fund.