Contribute to an Existing Fund

Amplify change by supporting a cause in motion.

Everyone should feel empowered to make an impact.

There are lots of notions about what philanthropy is, who’s welcome to participate and what participation looks like. The truth is, philanthropy is something we all can do! If you donate to a local school, volunteer at your church or contribute to a crowdsource campaign online, you’re a philanthropist.

When you think about philanthropy, some of the challenges listed here might sound familiar, and that’s exactly why we’re here — to help you overcome these barriers and ensure that regardless of age, race gender or income, your generosity has the power to create meaningful change that stands the test of time.

Limited Giving = Limited Impact

Our hearts are often bigger than our wallets, and our contributions can feel too small to matter.

Donation Decision Overload

There are so many worthy causes, and it’s hard to know where to focus our giving or how to start.

Passive, One-Dimensional Support

For many of us, giving feels more rewarding when it’s hands-on — not just writing a check.

Uncertainty About Impact

Donors may worry that their contributions won’t make a real difference or that they won’t see the tangible results of their giving.

Tax & Legal Complexities

Tax implications and legal considerations of significant charitable contributions can be daunting to navigate.

Balancing Multiple Interests or Causes

Donors who care about multiple issues might struggle to allocate their funds effectively across different causes.

Over 1,000 Established Funds to Choose From

KZCF connects generous donors to the causes they care about that impact our community most, maximize every giving dollar and enhance the philanthropic experience. With over 1,000 funds and partnerships to choose from, every community member has the opportunity to simply and confidently live (and give) into their values.

Follow your giving heart — supporting an existing fund makes it easy. D

Donor-Driven Donation Options for Every Level of Giving

KZCF accepts and assists donors with many kinds of contributions — such as one-time and recurring donations, securities, real estate, life insurance and trusts — for all kinds of giving now and in the future. Not sure how to get started — donor liaisons are always ready to help!

1000+ Vetted Partners & Established Funds

We steward hundreds of funds and support trusted, leading nonprofits so donors can confidently support causes in line with your values making an impact where you live.

Tax Incentives & Stress-Free Asset Transfer Assistance

Our team is ready to guide donors through available charitable deductions and support or completely manage the transfer of complex assets, acting as a partner to financial advisors and an extension of a donor’s advisory team.

Love Where You Live Funds = Easy, Unrestricted Giving

A gift to one of our Love Where You Live Funds is the fastest and easiest way to donate to Kalamazoo Community Foundation.

“Making a gift to the Community Urgent Relief Fund is important ... It's a way to show solidarity and support for our neighbors, ensuring that they have the resources they need to overcome difficult times.”

Amy Richards
– Community Urgent Relief Fund donor

“After the passing of our youngest daughter, Koa, in 2019, shortly before her 14th birthday, our world turned upside down. We knew, right from the very beginning, that we wanted to do something in the world ... not just a memorial ... an active organization that made a difference in our community, and in particular, made a difference for youth.”

Dean & Gabi Suárez-Starfeldt
– Co-founders of KOA Fund, established in 2020 and inspired by the life of their daughter, Koa.

“We established our scholarship fund more than 20 years ago. Kathy and I lost parents at early ages. Those experiences were defining moments in our lives, and we felt strongly that we wanted to help young people who had experienced losses similar to our own. ... The staff at KZCF has always been wonderful to work with.”

Dave & Kathy Kreager
– Co-founders of the Kreager Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2001 to help with the education expenses for students who have lost parents as children due to death or abandonment
Joanna Donnelly Dales happy headshot in downtown Kalamazoo

Got giving trouble? Joanna can help.

To learn more about funds, philanthropy, or our giving process, connect with Joanna Donnelly Dales via the contact form or call 269.381.4416.

4 + 11 =

Donor Stories, Resources & Updates