Purchasing Resources for Endowment Funds

Endowment Funds

Online resources to help you donate to, or manage, an endowment fund
By Lea Terry, Freelance Journalist / Copywriter Whether you're looking for information on endowment funds because you're interested in donating to one, or interested in starting one, endowment fund directories are the place to look. Endowment fund directories are searchable listings of charitable endowment funds by category, name and location, sometimes along with a rating and giving information.

Other websites include resources for endowment funds, such as articles on starting an endowment fund and information about tax laws governing endowment funds.

By searching online endowment listings, you can:

1. Research and compare endowment funds.

2. Learn about starting or managing an endowment fund.

3. Find resources to help you become a more informed donor.

Browse the donor resource sections of endowment funds directories

Many endowment listings have extensive resources for potential donors. In addition to information on endowment funds, these sites also feature articles to help donors give more wisely.
Try:  CharityNavigator is one of the best-known sites for researching nonprofits, but its Tips and Resources section also features articles and tools developed specifically for donors.

Use endowment listings to help you compare endowment funds

With so many charitable endowment funds out there, it can be difficult to narrow your choices. An endowment funds directory can tell you which charities give the most, have the best reputation, or conversely, have a bad reputation.
Try:  GuideStar is a searchable, online database featuring information on 1.7 million nonprofits. You can register for free, but for access to more information, sign up for GuideStar Select or GuideStar Premium.

Know the tax laws related to charitable endowment funds

A key part of searching for endowment information is locating an authoritative explanation of endowment fund tax law, and how it impacts both donors and charitable organizations.
Try:  The website for the Internal Revenue Service has a section dedicated to nonprofit organizations. Check out the donor section and private foundation section.

Learn more about endowment funds through networking groups

If you're looking to contribute to an endowment fund, or you're overseeing one, some of the best advice may come from people who've already done what you're hoping to do. Through philanthropy-related associations, you can learn from fellow donors or nonprofit directors, or, connect with nonprofits you may be interested in donating to, or donors who can help your organization.
Try:  Philanthropy Roundtable connects you with people from all sides--foundation directors and employees, corporate giving officers, and donors. The site also includes free downloadable ebooks for donors and nonprofits.

• If you're looking for endowment information because you're hoping to donate, online endowment fund directories are a great way to start your research. If you need more information, however, don't hesitate to simply call a nonprofit organization and ask. They may have information packages designed for potential donors, or may be happy to set up a meeting to answer your questions.

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