1. Think about your goals Often a conversation with family members or financial advisor is the best way to start thinking about a charitable plan. MCF staff members can join you in these conversations if you choose.

2. Decide when to give Based on your needs, we can help you decide if it is more appropriate to establish a fund immediately, through your will, or through other planned giving strategies.

3. Decide what to give: We can talk with you about the different kinds of assets you can use to open a fund. While most people open a fund with cash or stock, you can also make a gift of real estate, an interest in a family business, artwork or other property.

4. Talk with us about how to give: Options include a variety of funds that enable you start giving immediately, or giving strategies that will make gifts to your fund later. Or, you can do both.

5. Choose what you want to support Once you decide what you want to support—with or without assistance from our program staff—you can recommend grants through the online tool just for donors, MCF Donor Express. The Foundation takes care of all administrative details. And there are no geographic limitations on grants from your fund.

Working with Us: To find out more about the many ways that MCF’s staff can work with you to fulfill your charitable goals, click on the icon below to download information on our donor services and engagement activities. This is a PDF document that requires Adobe Reader.