OBCF 101-6: Do I have to be wealthy to work with OBCF?

In an effort to better connect with our community and educate people about all of the unique facets of the Community Foundation, we have created OBCF 101.

As we work toward connecting with people from all demographics, we have learned that there is a common misconception that you have to be wealthy to work with the Outer Banks Community Foundation.

Today, we are here to tell you that, first and foremost, the Outer Banks Community Foundation is for everyone. And, you absolutely do not have to be wealthy to work with us.

We understand that “wealthy” can mean different things to different people, so below we have listed various ways you can work with the Outer Banks Community Foundation.

– We welcome planned gifts of any size. You don’t need a will or a complex estate plan to make a lasting impact. For example, you can simply name the Outer Banks Community Foundation as a beneficiary for a portion of your retirement account. You could also add us to a life insurance policy or pledge land, stocks, or other assets for a future gift.

– We also understand that many people don’t have retirement accounts, life insurance policies, etc, but that doesn’t mean that you cannot work with us! The Community Foundation manages over 200 diverse charitable funds that meet various needs across the Outer Banks. Whether you care about the environment, animals, preserving history, the arts, healthcare, or our schools, we have a fund that will connect you to a cause you are passionate about.

– The Greater Outer Banks Fund is our primary community fund for unrestricted gifts. This fund supports the Outer Banks Community Foundation’s charitable activities and operational expenses, including grants and scholarships, disaster response efforts, nonprofit staff training and mentorship, and all efforts to respond to our region’s most significant challenges and promising opportunities.

– The Community Foundation accepts donations of all sizes! Gifts of cash are the quickest ways to give to the Community Foundation. These outright gifts are eligible for charitable deduction in the year the gift is made. You can easily donate right on our website at OBCF.org/donate.

– And last but not least, it’s not all about money at the Outer Banks Community Foundation. We are here to connect people to causes that they care about. If you cannot afford to start a fund or make a donation, but want to work with the Outer Banks Community Foundation, we can link you up with nonprofits who are doing important work in our community that need volunteers and you can give them the gift of your time!

At the Outer Banks Community Foundation, there are countless ways to get involved in philanthropy! Every contribution, big or small, helps strengthen our community’s future and proves that meaningful giving is within reach for everyone.

Stay tuned for our next OBCF 101!