Lean on Us: Five Reasons to Call the Outer Banks Community Foundation

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By OBCF’s planned giving partners at Embolden

In times like these—when both the economy and policy landscape feel unpredictable—it’s more important than ever to have trusted partners in your corner. That’s where we come in. At the Outer Banks Community Foundation, we’re here to help you give back in ways that are smart, meaningful, and impactful—both for your family and for our unique Outer Banks community.

If you already have a donor-advised fund or other type of fund with us, you know how easy and flexible charitable giving can be. But even if you’re just beginning to think about your legacy or your year-end giving, we’re always happy to help.

Not sure when to reach out? Here are five great reasons to call the Outer Banks Community Foundation:

1. You promised yourself in 2024 you’d never again get caught in a year-end crunch.

The Outer Banks is full of dedicated nonprofits doing critical work—from emergency relief and youth programs to environmental protection and historic preservation. But funding shifts and economic pressures have hit some groups hard. At OBCF, we stay closely connected to these organizations and the evolving needs of our community. We can point you toward local causes where your dollars will make the biggest difference.

2. You’re worried about local nonprofits losing funding—but don’t know how best to help.

The Outer Banks is full of dedicated nonprofits doing critical work—from emergency relief and youth programs to environmental protection and historic preservation. But funding shifts and economic pressures have hit some groups hard. At OBCF, we stay closely connected to these organizations and the evolving needs of our community. We can point you toward local causes where your dollars will make the biggest difference.

3. Your tax advisor says 2025 is a good year to give—but you want to keep your support consistent.

With potential changes to tax laws on the horizon, 2025 could be an important year for those who itemize deductions. If you’re considering a larger-than-usual gift, we can help you structure a donor-advised fund (or another type of fund) that allows you to take advantage of tax benefits now—while maintaining a steady stream of support to the causes you care about, year after year.

4. You’re thinking about selling real estate or a business, and you’ve heard charitable gifts could help with taxes.

It’s true—charitable gifts of appreciated assets like real estate or closely-held business interests can offer significant tax advantages. The key is timing. Before you finalize any sales agreements, talk to us. We can work with your advisors to explore giving strategies that could benefit both your bottom line and the Outer Banks community you love.

5. You’re updating your estate plan and want to include a charitable gift—but aren’t sure where to give.

Including charitable giving in your estate plan is a powerful way to leave a legacy—but what if you don’t know which nonprofit to name? That’s okay. With a fund at OBCF, you can create a flexible giving vehicle that ensures your charitable wishes are honored—whether you name specific organizations now or leave room for future decision-making based on evolving community needs. We can help you (and your attorney or advisor) craft a giving plan that reflects your values and takes full advantage of tax-efficient tools.

Whatever your giving goals, the Outer Banks Community Foundation is here to help. Whether you’re an existing fundholder or just starting to think about your philanthropic legacy, we welcome your call. Let’s work together to make a lasting impact—right here in the Outer Banks.

About the Outer Banks Community Foundation: The Outer Banks Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to fostering philanthropy and supporting local causes. Through its charitable funds and grant programs, the Foundation strives to enrich the quality of life for residents of the Outer Banks