Fundholder Focus
Quarter 2: Partners in Philanthropy
Dear Fundholder,
One of my favorite parts of this work is seeing the many different ways people choose to give back. Every fund has a story, and every grant reflects something that matters deeply to the person or family behind it. It's a reminder that philanthropy isn't one-size-fits-all—it is personal, thoughtful, and rooted in the hope of making our community even better.
As I meet with fundholders throughout the year, I'm constantly inspired by your generosity and your desire to make a lasting difference. Whether you've had your fund for decades or just recently opened one, you are part of something much bigger than any one gift. Together, you're helping strengthen nonprofits, create opportunities, and improve lives across our region.
Thank you for trusting us to be part of your charitable journey. It is a privilege we don't take lightly, and we're grateful for the opportunity to help carry your generosity forward.
I hope you enjoy this edition of our Fundholder Focus. As always, thank you for all you do to make our community stronger.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Heather Allender, President & CEO
Three Things We Wish Every Fundholder Knew…
After working with hundreds of fundholders over the years, we've noticed that many people have the same questions—or don't realize all the ways we're here to help. Here are three things we wish every fundholder knew…
1. You don't have to have it all figured out.
Some fundholders know exactly where they want every dollar to go. Others know they want to make a difference but aren't sure where to start. Both approaches are perfectly okay.
Whether you have one organization in mind or you're exploring new causes, we're happy to talk through ideas with you. There's no expectation that you already know the "right" answer before reaching out.
2. The best conversations usually start with, "I'm not sure..."
Some of our favorite conversations begin with uncertainty.
Maybe you're wondering:
"I want to help children, but I'm not sure which organization."
"I've heard about a nonprofit but don't know much about it."
"I'd like my gift to make the biggest impact possible."
Those are exactly the kinds of conversations we enjoy having. We know the local nonprofit community well, and we can share what we're seeing, answer questions, and help you explore options. Our goal isn't to tell you where to give—it's to help you make decisions that feel right to you.
3. We love connecting donors with great work happening in our community.
Every week we learn about organizations solving problems, launching new programs, and finding creative ways to serve our community. Some are well known. Others are doing incredible work quietly and don't always get the attention they deserve.
If you're interested in learning about needs in a particular area—whether it's education, health, the arts, the environment, or another cause—we'd be happy to share ideas and connect you with organizations making a difference.
Sometimes the perfect opportunity is one you simply haven't heard about yet.
We're Here as a Resource
Your fund is more than a charitable account—it's a way to make a lasting difference in the causes you care about. Whether you're ready to recommend a grant, looking for new ideas, or just want to talk through your charitable goals, we're always happy to help.