Information for Potential Donors

Answers to Key Questions

How is the Irwin Farms Foundation different from most other foundations?

The Irwin Farms Foundation is devoted to supporting and empowering donors who give in modest amounts, but who seek to make a difference by means of named funds, which are often established to honor loved ones. The Foundation does not have a paid staff and does not charge administrative fees.  Whereas most foundations and donor-advised funds require an initial investment of at least $5,000, the Irwin Farms Foundation creates named funds with gifts as little as $250.

Why might someone establish a fund?

Persons usually create funds to support a favorite cause and generate donations from others, while honoring a person or group. Each fund has a specific philanthropic purpose, which the creator of the fund defines. Perpetual funds generate income from initial investments, which are then disbursed at regular intervals–usually annually–based on the wishes of the fund creator(s) (e.g., a scholarship awarded every year). Single-use funds are entirely disbursed once and then dissolved (e.g., a research grant awarded once based on donations accumulated within a specific period or once a fund reaches a specific amount). Limited-term funds persist over a defined period longer than a year and then are disbursed and dissolved, based on the wishes of the fund creator(s).

How else might the Irwin Farms Foundation help “everyday philanthropists”?

The Foundation is dedicated to facilitating the wishes of the fund initiator(s) by receiving and processing donations and, if desired, helping to identify beneficiaries/awardees. Beyond that, Foundation volunteers can sometimes help fund creators seek additional outside sources of funds and can even assist with grant applications.

Are there any restrictions on the establishment of funds?

Yes. In compliance with Internal Revenue Service rules, the Foundation is unable to administer funds that advance explicitly political, religious, or commercial purposes, or  to undertake work that otherwise contravenes section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. In accord with the Foundation’s organizing principles, funds are limited to those with educational and scientific purposes in the Foundation’s three areas of interest: sustainability, creativity, and public service.

How would someone go about establishing a fund?

The first step is to contact the Foundation by form or email to set up an initial phone or in-person meeting.