Simple Steps to Get Started

The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona can help you at every stage of developing and implementing a giving plan.


1. Think about your goals. Often a conversation with family members or financial advisors is the best way to start thinking about a charitable plan. CFSA 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, and interest in family business, artwork or other property.

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

5. Chose what you want to support. Once you decide what you want to support -- with or without assistance from our program staff -- and we'll take care of all administrative details. And there are no geographical limitations on grants from your fund.


To learn more about establishing a fund through CFSA, contact us at 520.770.0800 or by email, philanthropy@cfsoaz.org.