Ways to Give
There are many ways to give to the Washington County Community Foundation. Whether someone wants to make an immediate impact or build a legacy, ways to give typically include simple cash gifts, appreciated stock, IRA charitable rollovers, and real estate or farmland contributions that can unlock significant tax advantages. Many also choose planned gifts—such as bequests or beneficiary designations—to shape their philanthropic legacy. Businesses can participate through corporate giving funds or sponsorships that strengthen local initiatives. Each giving option allows donors to support the foundation’s mission in a way that aligns with their financial goals and vision for long‑term community impact.
Cash Gifts
The easiest, fastest way to make a donation is a cash gift. You may designate your gift to a fund held at the community foundation, or make an undesignated gift to the Foundation. Checks should be made to the Washington County Community Foundation and earmarked for the Fund of your choice.
Gifts to our endowment are used in our Community Grants program which distributes funds to a variety of local charities based on the greatest need at the time and greatest impact on the community.
You may also make your gift online with a credit card here.
Non-Cash Gifts
Greater tax benefits may be found in donating non-cash gifts. Donations may include appreciated assets such as property or investments. It’s important that such assets be transferred directly to the Foundation, not sold. This way, you receive the full value of the assets as a deduction and pay no capital gains tax — a double tax benefit. Consult your tax advisor to see if this is a better option.
Legacy Gifts
Make one of the greatest statements of generosity possible through a legacy gift. It means that you are committing a portion of the wealth you have created over a lifetime to give back and be used to benefit your community for generations to come.
Legacy gifts (estate or planned gifts) can be either cash or non-cash assets. A will is necessary, so we urge you to have your attorney work with the Foundation to maximize the benefits to the community, your family and estate.
Washington County Gives – #WCNEGives
In 2017, Washington County Gives was started as an effort to enhance and celebrate our Great Non-Profit Organizations in Washington County. Since 2017, Washington County Gives has raised over $1 Million for Washington County Non-Profits. You can find more information on Gives here.