Establish a Fund
Aspen Community Foundation offers a variety of fund types designed to serve the unique goals of donors, nonprofit organizations, and communities across the Aspen to Parachute region.Â
ACF partners closely with fund advisors and nonprofit leaders to provide:Â
- Expert fund administration – Maintaining financial records, investment management and oversight, and grant processing.
- Grantmaking support – Researching potential grantees and aligning opportunities with donor intent.
- Compliance and due diligence – Ensuring distributions are made to qualified tax-exempt organizations.
- Community connection – Connecting advisors with impactful organizations and initiatives throughout the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys.Â
With deep regional knowledge and personalized service, ACF makes philanthropy simple, strategic, and impactful.Â
| Donor Advised Funds
A Donor Advised Fund at ACF is a simple, flexible way to manage your charitable giving. It offers many of the benefits of a private foundation— without the added complexity or expense— allowing you to establish a fund in the name of your family, business, or in honor of someone special. You receive an immediate tax deduction when you contribute, and you can recommend grants to qualified charities over time, while ACF handles all administration, investment management, and grant processing.
| Field of Interest Funds
A Field of Interest Fund at ACF allows donors to support a specific cause or area of interest, such as the arts, education, or health. The donor defines the focus when the fund is established, and ACF helps identify organizations that can make the greatest impact within that field and collaborates with a committee to make grant recommendations.
| Designated Funds
A Designated Fund at ACF provides ongoing support to specific nonprofit(s) chosen by the donor. The named organization(s) receives an annual grant from the fund, helping ensure long-term impact and stability.
| Agency Funds
An Agency Fund at ACF is a strategic financial tool designed specifically for nonprofits. These funds support your organization’s immediate needs while building long-term sustainability. ACF manages investment oversight, accounting, and reporting—allowing nonprofit leaders to remain focused on mission and community impact.
| Scholarship Funds
ACF’s Scholarship Funds connect students to individuals passionate about education to enable more students to reach their educational goals. Scholarship funds may be established to benefit a specific student demographic, school, or field of study.
| Endowed Funds
Any of ACF’s fund options can be established as an endowed fund, providing lasting support for the community. An endowed fund preserves its principal while a portion of the assets is distributed each year according to ACF’s Endowed Spending Policy, creating a reliable, long-term source of funding to address community needs as they arise.
| Memorial Funds
Memorial Funds are created in honor of a loved one and can be set up using any of ACF’s fund types, allowing donors to celebrate life while supporting causes and organizations that mattered most to them.
| Resources
Stephanie Gianneschi
Director of Philanthropic Services
| Interested in establishing a fund?
To learn more about establishing a fund, contact Stephanie Gianneschi, Director of Philanthropic Services, at (970) 925-9300 ext. 219 or via email.