The Community Foundation Model
A different way to give, one that keeps giving.
Community foundations like Acorn are built on a simple idea: your generosity can create impact not just once, but for generations to come.
Instead of being granted out immediately, donations are pooled into professionally managed funds and invested for the long term. Each year, a portion of the investment income is distributed to support local charities and causes, while the original gift remains intact and continues to grow.
How it works
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You make a gift to a fund that reflects what matters most to you
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That gift is invested alongside others in a professionally managed portfolio
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Each year, a portion of the returns is distributed to support the community
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The remaining funds stay invested, allowing the fund to grow over time
Even a single gift can grow significantly when invested over the long term.
As funds are pooled and professionally managed, they benefit from scale, diversification, and time in the market, helping to grow the overall fund while continuing to give back each year.
Over time, this creates a powerful cycle: give → grow → give again
Why this matters
Traditional giving often creates a one-off moment of impact.
While valuable, the effect can be short-lived. With a community foundation model, your gift becomes a long-term source of support, generating funding year after year, and growing its impact over time.
That means:
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one donation can support multiple generations
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your impact increases as the fund grows
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the community benefits not just now, but into the future
Your gift → Invested → Grows → Supports the community every year
Create a named Fund
Establishing a Named Endowment Fund with Acorn is an easy way to create an enduring legacy in the region you call home. The Acorn team will walk you through the process to ensure that your giving objectives are met. We’ll help you choose how and when you donate, and who your fund supports.
Next steps?
We’d love to chat with you about how we can help you give back to our community. Book a time to meet with Campbell Higgins, Acorn's Legacy Giving Manager.
How does a named fund work?
1. How Your Giving Works
Choose to make an impact now, later, or both. As a donor, you have the flexibility to give during your lifetime, leave a gift in your Will, or combine both approaches. Many donors enjoy seeing the difference their "Living Giving" makes today while also securing their legacy for tomorrow.
Your fund can support specific charities you love, focus on areas you're passionate about, or remain unrestricted to meet future needs. The best part? You can adjust your charitable distributions anytime without having to update your Will.
2. Setting Up Your Fund
Your fund is established with a simple clause added to your Will (or Memorandum of Wishes for a family trust). This arrangement activates either after your passing or when you begin your "Living Giving" journey.
All donations are pooled and professionally invested to grow in perpetuity. Craigs Investment Partners manages these investments, with careful oversight provided by Acorn's dedicated Investment Committee.
3. Activating Your Impact
Your fund becomes active once it reaches Acorn's minimum threshold. This threshold is $25,000 for unrestricted funds, if you've selected specific charities to support.
Annual distributions are made using investment returns, ensuring your generosity continues year after year. Distributions are made to your chosen charities, or if your fund is unrestricted, charities are selected by Acorn’s Distributions Committee.
Adrienne’s Story: Giving with purpose
Every fund has a story behind it. For Adrienne Coad, it’s about supporting causes close to her heart and knowing her generosity will help the community well into the future. Hear directly from her about why she chose Acorn, and the charities she’s proud to stand behind.