The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, founded in 1959, brings together the collective generosity of individuals, families and businesses to drive lasting change across Blount, Jefferson, St. Clair, Shelby and Walker counties. By pooling resources and investing in nonprofits, the Foundation helps build stronger communities for all who call the region home.
Long-time Homewood residents Tom and Ivy Spencer chose to open a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) in 2005 at the Community Foundation. The Spencers’ fund allows them to target the specific causes they care about while drawing on the local knowledge and expertise of Community Foundation staff. Creating a DAF at the Community Foundation allows donors a convenient and easy way to do their charitable giving.
“The Community Foundation is a one-stop shop,” Tom said. “You donate a lump sum to the fund, and that’s your one large charitable investment for the year. You have one deduction and very little paperwork. The Community Foundation takes care of sending out all your donations, and you can keep track of what you’ve given in the past. You can see how much went to a particular cause, and that helps you know how much to recommend for the current year.“
Among some of the causes that Tom and Ivy support are Cahaba River Society, Jefferson Country Greenways Coalition, Independent Presbyterian Church, STAIR of Birmingham and public radio and television.
The Community Foundation also keeps its donors well-informed. “The Foundation is constantly making its donors aware of community needs and successful organizations that are addressing those needs,”Tom said. “It’s inspiring to know more about thegood people out there working to make Birmingham and the region better.”
“They keep you connected and educated,” Ivy said. “You get emails. They have speakers. They invite you to events.”
The Spencers believe it’s important to contribute to their community.
“I think it was always important in our families growing up,’ Tom said. “We both learned from our parents that you needed to be involved in your community if you wanted it to thrive.”
”It feels good to help your community and to feel a connection,” Ivy said.
Big believers in greenspace, the Spencers became supporters at about the time the Community Foundation was spearheading a fund drive for the Three Parks initiative, which raised millions of dollars for Red Mountain Park, Railroad Park and Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve.
“It was great seeing the community come together – the public and private sector – to make the parks a reality,” Tom said.
The Spencers stress the fact that you don’t haveto be wealthy to support the Community Foundationor to start a DAF.
“You don't have to have great means to be part of this,” Ivy said. “It is a form of planned giving.”
“We started as, and remain, very modest donors,” Tom said. “We don't have a ton of resources but we wanted to be very systematic.”
Donor Advised Funds are simple to establish, requiring minimal paperwork, and can be established with an initial contribution of just $15,000. Donors receive the benefit of an immediate tax deduction and are able to maximize their charitable impact by supporting the causes they care about most.
To learn more about starting a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), contact Liz Edwards at 205-327-3808 or ledwards@cfbham.org.
For more about the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, call 205-327-3800 or go to cfbham.org.
