Would you like your end of year tax-free donation to make a lasting effect upon a local cause or organization?

The Community Foundation of Washington County is a tax-exempt public charity that permanently endows most of its assets to assure that gifts given through the organization will last forever. Residents can donate to one of the foundation’s existing endowments or start one of their own. Executive Director Millie Youngquist says endowments can be created for entities such as libraries or parks, scholarships and school districts, or any 501(c)3 non-profit organization, “Our fees are very low and once someone sets something up it can keep going without constant, either putting more money in or constant supervision by the donor. Because we are overseeing what is happening and making sure that the money is continuing to flow and that the organization is healthy.”

Youngquist adds that donors can also contribute to the Washington County Endowment Friends Fund, which supports the day-to-day operation costs of the foundation that is a component fund of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. There is also the Washington County Friends Impact Fund, which allows the foundation to strategically use contributions in response to the most pressing community issues and opportunities. You can hear more from Youngquist during today’s Halcyon House Washington Page and find her contact information here.