INVEST
Ways to Invest
Giving through the Greater Cabarrus Foundation provides a unique and impactful way for you to achieve your philanthropic goals, now and in the future. We invite you to join us in our mission to make lasting and meaningful contributions in Cabarrus County!
Start a Fund
Through GCF you can establish a fund to support the cause, or causes, close to your heart. If you are still defining your philanthropic goals, we are here to offer guidance.
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Act as a charitable savings account, allowing immediate tax deductions while recommending grants over time.
Greater Good Society: Create a named fund under the Greater Goods Society. These endowed funds provide nonprofit grants to support broad community needs.
Field of Interest Funds: Direct support toward specific areas like education, health, or food security.
Designated Funds: Provide permanent support to specific favorite nonprofits.
Affiliate Community Funds: Pool resources with others to support local community needs.
Give to a Fund
Browse our list of funds to discover the ideal match for your philanthropic goals.
Support GCF
We will never outpace the needs in our community, but we must ensure the Greater Cabarrus Foundation’s roots remain strong to support our mission and sustain our vision. Make a lasting difference and secure the future of GCF through a gift to our operating endowment.
Invest in a Specific Capacity-Building Project
Cabarrus Spark is a curated grant program of the Greater Cabarrus Foundation that gives DAF fundholders and community investors a direct, specific way to strengthen nonprofit infrastructure in Cabarrus County. Each project is scoped, vetted, and ready to deliver results before it's ever posted for funding.
This isn't general operating support. It's targeted investment in the systems, leadership, and infrastructure that make the organizations you care about more effective and more resilient.
How to Invest in Cabarrus Spark
Every project listed in Cabarrus Spark follows the same process:
Support Cabarrus scopes the need directly with the nonprofit.
The Greater Cabarrus Foundation reviews for charitable fit and feasibility.
You choose which project to fund — by DAF recommendation, credit card, check, ACH, or business sponsorship.
Work begins at 80% funded.
No ambiguity. No open-ended asks. You know exactly what your investment will make possible.
Investment Options
Direct Asset Distribution
These options involve contributions of various assets that provide immediate or near-term benefit to the Foundation and the community. You can use these assets to contribute towards an existing fund with GCF or establish a new fund.
Cash Gifts
Gifts made via check, credit card, or direct cash provide immediate support to our funds. These donations are eligible for a charitable deduction during the year they are made.
Online: Make a secure online donation to your fund of choice.
Checks: Make checks payable to the Greater Cabarrus Foundation and note the fund name in the memo line.
Securities
Donating appreciated securities, such as publicly traded stocks and bonds, is a tax-smart way to give. By contributing appreciated assets, you may qualify for a tax deduction based on their current market value while avoiding capital gains taxes on the appreciation. We can also discuss gifts involving closely held stock.
Real Estate
Gifts of real estate, including residential, commercial, or undeveloped land, are an impactful way to contribute. Subject to our gift acceptance policy, these donations may qualify for a tax deduction based on the property’s full market value and can help you avoid capital gains taxes. You may also be able to gift real estate while retaining the right to use the property during your lifetime.
Strategic Giving Structures
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
A Qualified Charitable Distribution is a tax-savvy way to support your favorite causes if you are 70½ or older. You can make tax-free transfers of up to $100,000 annually from your IRA directly to the Foundation. These gifts may count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) without being included in your taxable income.
Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs)
A Charitable Remainder Trust allows you to place assets into a trust that provides income for yourself and/or other loved ones for life or a set term. After the trust’s term ends, the remaining principal is donated to the Foundation, creating a significant community endowment.
Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs)
A Charitable Lead Trust directs income to the Foundation for a specified term, providing immediate philanthropic support. When the term concludes, the remaining principal of the trust returns to your heirs, often resulting in reduced estate and gift taxes.
A Legacy of Giving
For Bob and Susan Smith, giving back to Cabarrus County is a lifelong commitment rooted in gratitude for the community they have called home since 1986.
Through the Bob and Susan Smith Community Investment Fund, they chose to keep their philanthropy local and create lasting support for the organizations they care about most. They were drawn to the Greater Cabarrus Foundation’s hands-on approach, local focus, and dedication to strengthening nonprofit agencies. By establishing an endowed fund, the Smiths ensured their generosity will continue to provide dependable funding for Cabarrus County nonprofits for generations to come.
Legacy and Estate Planning
These options allow you to ensure your support continues for generations through planned giving.
Bequests
Including the Foundation in your will or estate plan is a powerful way to leave a lasting legacy. Through a Bequest, you can designate a specific amount, asset, or percentage of your estate to the Foundation. These gifts are typically deductible for federal estate tax purposes.
Retirement Plan Beneficiary Designation
You can designate the Foundation as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), or similar retirement account. This avoids significant taxes on these assets after your lifetime, making it one of the most tax-effective assets to use for a charitable legacy gift.
Life Insurance Policies
Life insurance can provide a future gift at a minimal current cost. You can donate a fully paid policy you no longer need, which may qualify for an immediate income tax deduction. Alternatively, you can name the Foundation as a beneficiary or continue paying premiums on a partially funded policy, which may make the premium payments tax-deductible.
Contact Us
We look forward to connecting with you and answering any questions you may have. Send us a message using the form and a member of our team will get in touch with you shortly.