CCGF is a tax-exempt public foundation created by, and for, the people of Camden, Glynn, and McIntosh counties. Community foundations enable people with philanthropic interests to easily and effectively support those interests.
Community foundations help individuals, families, and businesses establish charitable funds to which they may contribute a variety of assets (cash, appreciated stock, property, art, etc.). Those assets are managed, invested, and governed by a conservative investment policy as well as adopted and ratified by the Foundation's Board of Directors. Grants are then distributed from these funds to non-profit agencies meeting the charitable goals of the donor. Donors and their families are actively involved in the selection of the non-profit agencies, but may also lean on the Foundation's expert staff to help make these decisions.
Why Work With a Community Foundation?
Community foundations have in-depth knowledge of their communities and remain alert to emergent needs in order to respond quickly and effectively. CCGF convenes groups including donors, non-profit leaders and elected officials to work together on community problem-solving. By fostering greater giving and local volunteerism, community foundations have been a tradition since 1914 — helping bring about thoughtful, effective change.
Advantages of Giving With a Community Foundation
- Greater tax benefits, including higher deduction limits for cash and appreciated assets
- Lower startup costs, with no legal or filing expenses required to establish a fund
- Reduced administrative burden, with no need to manage annual tax filings or compliance requirements
- Professional grantmaking support, including nonprofit vetting and insight into community needs
- Lower ongoing costs, with pooled administration instead of separate legal and accounting fees
Flexible giving options, allowing donors to recommend grants while the foundation handles processing and oversight
Solutions for Private Foundations
Simplify administration. Strengthen impact. Preserve your legacy.
Private foundations are powerful vehicles for generosity, family engagement, and lasting impact. But over time, administration, compliance, investment oversight, grantmaking, and succession planning can become increasingly complex.
The Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation offers flexible solutions for private foundations of all sizes. Whether you are seeking a simpler structure, deeper community insight, support for the next generation, or a long-term plan for your philanthropic legacy, we can help create an approach tailored to your goals.
For Smaller and Family Foundations
Transitioning a private foundation to a fund at the Community Foundation can significantly reduce administrative burdens while preserving family involvement, charitable intent, and legacy. Families can continue recommending grants, engaging children and grandchildren in philanthropy, and supporting the causes they care about—without the responsibilities of operating a separate private foundation.
A properly structured transition can provide:
- Professional administration, investment oversight, and recordkeeping
- Grant processing and nonprofit due diligence
- Support for family and multigenerational philanthropy
- A lasting structure designed to preserve charitable intent
- Greater flexibility in the timing of grantmaking
Private foundations are generally subject to an annual minimum distribution requirement of approximately 5% of investment assets. When assets are transferred to an appropriate fund at the Community Foundation as part of a properly structured transition, those assets are no longer subject to the private foundation’s annual payout requirement—providing greater flexibility to plan for future grants, allow charitable assets to grow, and respond strategically to opportunities.
For Larger Private Foundations
Larger foundations can benefit from a trusted partner without giving up their identity, governance, or strategic direction. The Community Foundation can complement existing staff and structures with:
- Local and regional insight into community needs
- Nonprofit identification, due diligence, and grant administration
- Site visits and introductions to community leaders
- Collaborative and co-investment opportunities
- Support for place-based grantmaking strategies
- Succession and legacy planning
For foundations based outside the region but investing in Coastal Georgia, we can serve as a trusted local partner with deep relationships across Camden, Glynn, and McIntosh counties.
A Partner for What Comes Next
Whether you are managing a family foundation, leading a larger private foundation, advising a client, or considering succession, the Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation can help simplify your philanthropy, strengthen your impact, and carry your charitable vision forward.
Your foundation’s history, values, and goals are unique. The right solution should be, too
If you have questions,