Benefits of Giving


The Keweenaw Community Foundation provides the flexibility to help people meet a broad range of needs through a variety of vehicles. We welcome the opportunity to work with you, your family, and your professional adviser to fulfill your charitable objectives and community interests.

10 Reasons People Choose to Give Through Community Foundations

1. We are a local organization with deep roots in the community.

2. Our professional program staff has broad expertise regarding community issues and needs.

3. We provide highly personalized service tailored to each individual’s charitable and financial interests.

4. Our funds help people invest in the causes they care about most.

5. We accept a wide variety of assets, and can facilitate even the most complex forms of giving.

6. We partner with professional advisers to create highly effective approaches to charitable giving.

7. We offer maximum tax advantage for most gifts under federal law.

8. We multiply the impact of gift dollars by pooling them with other gifts and grants.

9. We build endowment funds that benefit the community forever and help create personal legacies.

10. We are a community leader, convening agencies and coordinating resources to create positive change.

Donor Story: Bobbie & Paul Freshwater

The Freshwaters made a commitment to The Keweenaw, Bobbie's ancestral home, when Paul retired from Procter & Gamble. They became involved with preserving the rich history and wilderness areas of the Copper Country by volunteering and making modest gifts to several local organizations pursuing these goals or serving human needs.

Then the Freshwaters discovered a way to make a more substantial contribution to their favorite nonprofit groups while also improving the amount, predictability and tax treatment of their retirement income. Through the Keweenaw Community Foundation they established a charitable remainder trust fund with P&G stock received at retirement.

Six local nonprofits will benefit from this fund which will help to assure their success after Bobbie and Paul are no longer there to help. Meanwhile, the Freashwaters increased their retirement income by converting appreciated P&G stock into an attractive stream of income which can grow with the fund, while paying no capital gains tax on the stock. They also received a one-time charitable tax deduction. A win/win for all involved!

Let the Keweenaw Community Foundation help you to explore your own opportunities to leave a lasting legacy for the causes you cherish.


PUBLIC DOCUMENTS: Our annual audit, IRS Form 990, and our annual application for the State of Michigan License to Solicit Donations are available at our office during business hours.