Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a certain amount of money in order to donate to the Lapeer County Community Foundation?
Why would I give my money to the Community Foundation rather than directly to the charity that has a fund in the Foundation?
Can I use my credit card to donate?
How can I start a fund in memory of someone in my family?
How can I get a grant from the Community Foundation?

1. Do I need a certain amount of money in order to donate to the Lapeer County Community Foundation?
No, the Lapeer County Community Foundation accepts any monetary amount for a donation. In fact we not only accept cash and checks, we accept Public Traded Securities & Mutual Funds, Closely Held Stock, Real Estate, Tangible Personal Property, Life Insurance Policies, Pledges, and Planned/Deferred Gifts.

2. Why would I give my money to the Community Foundation rather than directly to the charity that has a fund in the Foundation?
As a resident of the state of Michigan, there is a greater tax benefit by giving to a community foundation rather than directly to the charity of your choice—that is one of the reasons your favorite charity has established a fund with the Community Foundation. The Michigan Tax Credit for Community Foundations allows taxpayers to reduce your Michigan income tax or Single Business Tax liability by a credit of 50% of the amount contributed to a community foundation endowed fund, subject to a maximum credit of:
• $100 for an individual filing singly (for a $200 donation).
• $200 for a married couple filing jointly (for a $400 donation).
• $5,000 or 5% of tax liability before claiming any credits, whichever is less, for
taxpayers filing Michigan Single Business tax returns (for a $10,000 gift).
• This tax credit is in addition to those available for donations to public
broadcasting stations, Michigan colleges or universities and public libraries.
• The tax credit is in addition to the deduction for Federal income tax purposes.

3. Can I use my credit card to donate?
Credit card donations are now being accepted using PayPal by following this link

4. How can I start a fund in memory of someone in my family?
Any named fund can be started with a gift of $2,500 and the pledge to meet $10,000 in 5 years. This fund can be either unrestricted in which the Board of Trustees of the Community Foundation decides on the grantmaking for the fund or donor advised allowing the donor to suggest specific grants to be made from the fund.

5. How can I get a grant from the Community Foundation?
The Foundation welcomes grant requests from organizations in and/or serving Lapeer County having recognition under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, educational institutions and governmental entities.
On the grant portion of this website the grant application is available in Adobe format. You can also call the Foundation office at 810-664-0691 to receive a copy of the grant application and grantmaking policies.

The Foundation funds charitable organizations that are able to demonstrate projects planned with respect to the community’s opportunities and needs.

The Foundation gives priority to programs that:
• Provide incentive for generating other funds and community resources
• Reach as many people as possible in Lapeer County
• Increase individual access to community resources
• Examine and address the underlying causes of local problems
• Promote personal independence and achievement
• Seek challenge or matching grants
• Attract volunteer resources and support
• Strengthen the private, non-profit sector
• Encourage and facilitate collaboration with other organizations
• Build the capacity of the applying organization.

The Foundation cannot grant monies to:
• Religious or sectarian purposes
• Individuals
• Legislative or political purposes
• Re-granting purposes
• Routine maintenance.
• Administrative costs for maintaining the operation of an organization

Office: 810-664-0691
Email: awhite@lapeercountycommunityfoundation.org