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Becoming a Member


The Clovis Community Foundation is built on an essentially American ideal--citizen involvement. Our founding fathers based our nation on the premise of citizen involvement. They knew, as we do, that a community is what we make it.

 

In Clovis, we take great pride in "the Clovis Way of Life"--on building a safe, prosperous, and family-oriented community. We know, however, that to maintain and enhance the Clovis Way of Life, we need citizen involvement--people like you. So we invite you to get involved, give something back, reinvest--and help make Clovis an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

 

All you have to do is complete the application form, send it to us, and get "plugged in" to what is happening in Clovis!

Making a Donation

Any donation or bequest is welcome.

 

Almost any asset can be used as a donation or bequest. The CCF can accept donations or bequests of:

  • cash,
  • securities traded on major exchanges,
  • mutual fund shares,
  • closely-held stock,
  • real estate (including farmland),
  • interests in limited partnerships,
  • life insurance and
  • variations and combinations of these.

The CCF can accept unrestricted donations or bequests given to the Clovis Community Chest. Donations or bequests to the Clovis Community Chest will be dispersed at the discretion of the CCF Board. Our goal is to build the Clovis Community Chest into a $10 million endowment to support culture, arts, and recreational opportunities in Clovis. Organizations and individuals who want to apply for these funds must complete a formal application or "request for proposal" by December 31 of each year. The CCF Board will make a decision on which projects should be funded, and the extent of that funding, by March 31.

 

Alternatively, the CCF can accept designated donations or bequests for specific projects or organizations supported by the Foundation (see the list of projects and organizations).

 

Whether your donation or bequest is unrestricted or designated, we will make our financial statements public on an annual basis (you will also have access to the CCF's current financial statements upon request, during normal business hours).

 

Special recognition (on our website and a special certificate suitable for framing) will be given to those donors who meet the following levels of giving:

Partner Level Annual Donation Level
Trail Boss $5,000
Wagon Masters $1,000
Cowboys & Cowgirls $500
Ranch Hands $100

 

Donations should be sent to:

The Clovis Community Foundation
P.O. Box 1531
Clovis, CA 93613-1531

 

Please be sure to state whether your donation is for The Clovis Community Chest or for a specific project (i.e., the Clovis Botanical Gardens, The Clovis Old Town Trail System, or the Valley Nature and Wildlife Center.

 

We will then send you official verification for tax-reporting purposes. It's that simple!

Tax Tips

Since 1917, Congress has granted favorable tax treatment to individuals who choose to make charitable contributions to the charities of their choice-whether through current gifts, deferred gifts, or bequests. Through the effective use of the charitable deduction, the government shares in the amount of the ultimate gift by reducing the amount of taxes you would otherwise pay.

 

It is generally a tax-wise idea to "give while you live." The reason is the income tax deduction you receive-both federal and state. Charitable gifts made during your lifetime provide an income tax deduction not available through a bequest gift. Because the outright current gift is no longer includable in your estate, these gifts ultimately avoid estate taxes as well.

 

In addition, giving assets is usually better than giving cash. This is especially true for long-term, highly appreciated assets because of the dual tax benefit of an income tax deduction based upon the fair market value of the gift plus the added benefit of avoiding the capital gains tax.

 

As you can see, the tax implications of making charitable donations can get quite complicated. Selecting the right assets to give, the appropriate timing and the right gifting vehicles that will maximize your charitable impact and the financial benefits for you and your family require expert advice. As a result, it is wise to seek the advice of a competent tax professional before making a charitable donation or bequest.

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