Ways to give

We help you support the people & places you care about most

You can give to a broad community fund, contribute to an existing fund with a purpose close to your heart, or create your own legacy through a named fund. We accept a wide range of assets and will work with you to ensure your gift reflects your values and goals—now and for generations to come.
University of Wisconsin Superior Research Vessel
Superior, WI

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Ways To Give

Establish a Fund

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You want to leave a lasting philanthropic legacy, support the causes that matter most to you, and make sure your giving is managed effectively. That’s where we come in!

Boreal Waters Community Foundation manages hundreds of charitable funds on behalf of donors, pooling resources to support a wide range of local causes and providing expertise in grantmaking and philanthropy. We offer flexibility in how funds are distributed, and provide a tax-efficient way to give. Additionally, through donor-advised funds, you and your family can remain involved in decision-making and give in a way that benefits your local community for generations to come.

If you are ready to take the next step in your philanthropic journey, our development team at the Community Foundation is available to meet with you and explore your charitable giving options. Whether you’re ready to establish a new scholarship fund to support students in our region or create a legacy fund to benefit your favorite nonprofits after your lifetime, our team will guide you through the process to craft a personalized plan that aligns with your giving goals.

Choose your fund typeWhy work with us

Contribute to an Existing Fund

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Contributing to an existing fund at the Community Foundation is a great way to make a meaningful impact. We have funds that support many different causes including education, social services, the arts, the environment, animal welfare and much more. By contributing to an existing fund, you're joining a group of people who care about the same things and are working together to create lasting change. Plus, the Community Foundation takes care of the details, so you can feel good knowing your gift is having a meaningful impact. 

Want to make a difference, but don’t know which fund to choose? Our Community Opportunity Fund supports the evolving needs of our region as a whole!

Fund directory

Planned Gifts & Creating Your Legacy

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Planned giving is a powerful way to leave a lasting legacy that reflects your values and passions, long after you're gone. By making a planned gift to the Community Foundation, the causes you care about continue to thrive, touching lives for generations. Whether through a bequest in your will or trust, these gifts can be tailored to fit your personal and financial goals, offering both meaningful impact and potential tax benefits. More than just a financial contribution, planned giving is a beautiful way to create a legacy that truly makes a difference in the lives of those who follow.

Learn more about assets you can donate below.

Leave Your Legacy

Donations

Create Your Own Legacy & Give Your Own Way

We accept a wide range of assets including:

IRA Charitable Distributions

IRA’s are ideal assets from which to make charitable gifts. Up to $100,000 annually can be distributed tax-free for those at least 70½ years old.

Stocks, Bonds, & Mutual Funds

Securities offer tax advantages when donated to charity. Donors can deduct the full fair market value of the securities and avoid paying capital gains taxes on any appreciation. This can result in a larger deduction and significant tax savings.
How to transfer to stock

Closely-Held Stock in a Private Business

Donating closely-held stock allows the donor to avoid capital gains taxes and receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value. This strategy can benefit business owners by reducing their taxable estate while supporting charitable causes.

Bequests

Naming the Community Foundation in your will, trust, or beneficiary designation, can provide a legacy of charitable support. You can choose to name an existing fund, or work with our development team to create a new legacy fund.
Name BWCF as a beneficiary

Real Estate

Real estate gifts—homes, land, or buildings—can reduce taxes, avoid capital gains, and support your charitable and estate planning goals.

Life Insurance

Through a gift of a policy no longer needed, provides support as well as a potential charitable tax deduction. Donors can also name the Community Foundation as a life insurance beneficiary.

Cash

A donation of cash is a quick and simple way to make an immediate impact. Make your donation to any of our funds online via our Fund Directory or by ACH. Make your donation by check: Boreal Waters Community Foundation 324 W. Superior St., Suite 700, Duluth, MN 55802.
how to wire transferdonate today

Want to Learn More?

Please contact our Development Director, Jessica Peterson
Email Jessica