“To give away money is an easy matter, and in any man's power. But to decide to whom to give it, and how large and when, and for what purpose and how, is neither in every man's power-nor and easy matter. Hence, it is that such excellence is rare, praiseworthy and noble.”

— Aristotle

Charitable giving through the Polk County Community Foundation offers members of our community the opportunity to make their philanthropic dreams come true.

The Foundation helps you make a difference in our area and beyond, easily and effectively, according to your specific wishes. We establish individual relationships with our donors at your request and never solicit funds through events, mailings, or other campaigns. There are many benefits of giving through the Foundation, including those listed below.

Philanthropic Expertise

Our staff members have decades of combined experience serving the charitable needs of our local community.

Giving Back

Many of our donors express the wish to give something back to our community. The Foundation improves the quality of life in our community by supporting nonprofits, by giving scholarships to local students and by making and keeping promises to donors who seek to bestow benefits on our community. We support our local nonprofits with grants, with endowment fund management and by assisting interested philanthropists with charitable giving options.

Favorable Tax Treatment

The Polk County Community Foundation is a public charitable organization and qualifies as a 501(c)(3) under the Internal Revenue Code. This means that your gifts are deductible at the highest allowable limits for federal income tax and estate tax purposes.

Sound Financial Management

The Foundation employs a professional investment manager to invest assets entrusted to the Community Foundation. The Board of Directors and the Finance Committee ensure that the professional manager provides appropriate diversification of assets, balances the needs for safety and growth, and charges fair fees.

Community Recognition

You may name a fund after yourself or to honor or memorialize someone else. Grants are made from your named fund. The names of endowment funds shall be publicized in perpetuity. Of course, we shall respect your wishes for anonymity if that is your preference.

Accountability

Since 1975, PCCF has managed assets for donors and nonprofits and awarded grants and scholarships to benefit our community. The Foundation is led by a Board of Directors. Our Board and committee volunteers review and award grants, oversee financial matters, and set policies.  An independent, professional audit is performed annually.

Please contact Sara Bell, our President & CEO, for additional information about philanthropic opportunities. Our office is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Thursday, and Fridays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. We may be reached at 828-859-5314 or by email at foundation@polkccf.org. 

Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Section at 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.