What is the Westchester Community Foundation?
We are the Westchester division of the New York Community Trust, the country's largest community foundation, with assets of over $2 billion and more than1,800 individual charitable funds. Here in Westchester, we have nearly 170 funds with over $50 million invested on behalf of the community.

We have been helping charitable individuals, businesses, and private foundations with their philanthropy since 1976. We make philanthropy convenient, professional, and lasting.

What kinds of fund can I set up?
We offer four types of funds:

Unrestricted funds leave discretion to the foundation’s advisory board to use the donor's gift to meet contemporary needs, forever.

In a field-of-interest fund, we make grants to nonprofits to tackle issues of concern to the donor, such as child and family welfare, youth, education, or health policy.

A donor-advised fund is an unrestricted fund legally, but the donor recommends the organizations to receive grants.

Designated funds name specific nonprofits to receive grants, subject always to our board's variance power, which ensures that the fund remains relevant over time.

Why should I choose the Westchester Community Foundation over a private foundation?
We provide a very attractive alternative to establishing a private foundation. We have all the advantages of a public charity, and eliminate the need to set up a separate institution, formulate policies, file innumerable forms, and monitor the status of grant recipients. Establishing a private foundation can take months and be expensive; with the foundation the legal apparatus is already in place, and creating a fund can take less than day.

How do I open a fund?
It's easy to set up a fund. You decide the type of fund that's best for you. You think about your charitable priorities, how much you want to give, and name the fund. Then you establish the fund. We have funds that were started with a million, but our minimum is $5,000. The gift may be made now or by will. Click here for instructions.

How much do I need to set up a fund?
We have funds that were started with $75 million, but our minimum is $5,000, which is also the minimum amount that must be maintained in the fund. There is no maximum. We do not charge a set-up fee.

What kind of assets may I use to open a fund?
Funds may be established with the following: cash, securities traded on major exchanges, closely held stock, mutual fund shares, retirement plan assets, interests in limited partnerships, literature copyrights, and movie and television rights. We are skilled at evaluating unusual assets and have the flexibility to accommodate them when suitable for charity.

I need to set up a fund quickly. How long will it take?
That depends on you and whether or not you've decided on the type of fund you want to open. We can open a fund in less than one business day.

May I select the name of the fund?
Of course. The donor always chooses the name of the fund, typically using their own names or names of individuals to be honored or memorialized. Donors who prefer anonymity can choose a general name.

How long does the fund have to remain open?
Five years is our minimum, but we hope that donors will consider making their funds a permanent resource for charity.