Resources to help new Charitable Checking account holders understand and utilize the Community Foundation's Fundholder Portal.
Congratulations on creating your Charitable Checking Account! We're here to help you put it to good use.
Through Charitable Checking, your tax deduction is made when you give to the Community Foundation, so there is no need to keep track of the various receipts from all the organizations you support—leave that work to us!
As an account holder, you’ll enjoy access to our easy-to-use online portal and be able to utilize Community Foundation experts and tools to guide you in discovering organizations and community needs that align with your interests.
Explore next steps for using your account below!
What's Next?
Step #1
Log into the Fundholder Portal
Go to the Community Foundation website and click Fundholder Portal in the blue bar at the top right corner of the screen. Log in using the credentials you chose when you created your Charitable Checking Account.
To watch a video tutorial on how to access your portal account, click here.
To download a fundholder portal overview document, click here.
To download instructions on how to read your fund statement, click here.
Step #2
Make Grants
A grant request can be initiated by clicking the blue 'Create Grant Request' button in the top right corner of most pages within the portal. You may give to any active, qualified charitable organization with a 501(c)(3) designation and classified by the IRS as a public charity.
You may not use your fund for things like pledges, the purchase of tickets or sponsorships where the fundholder is receiving associated benefits, auction items, memberships where the fundholder has not waived all benefits, scholarships for which the fundholder has the majority or deciding vote on applicant(s) selected, grants to specific individuals, and lobbying or political contributions.
To watch a video tutorial on how to make a grant, click here.
To download instructions on how to make a grant, click here.
Step #3
Mohawk Valley Giving Guide
Need help brainstorming who to grant to? The Mohawk Valley Giving Guide is a community-wide resource designed to bridge people looking to give with local nonprofit needs across our region. Through an easy-to-use online tool, the Giving Guide highlights nonprofit organizations and the specific projects, programs, or needs they are seeking support for. Each listing includes a brief summary of the organization’s funding request, helping donors better understand where their generosity can make an impact.
To download a Mohawk Valley Giving Guide brochure, click here.
Step #4
Spread The Word
Sharing your unique fund URL with friends and family is one of the most powerful ways to grow support for your cause. By spreading the word and inviting others to contribute, you help bring more people into the mission and increase the potential impact of the fund. Every donation—big or small—moves the effort forward, and the more donations the fund receives, the greater the positive change it can create in the community.
Step #5
Mohawk Valley Gives
Mohawk Valley Gives is our community's largest day of giving powered by the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties and UpMobility Foundation. Launched in 2022, this event was established to support the incredible nonprofit organizations that uplift our region.
Join us on September 18 to support hundreds of nonprofits that make our community special.
(5 Total)
Step #1
Log into the Fundholder Portal
Step #2
Make Grants
Step #3
Mohawk Valley Giving Guide
Step #4
Spread The Word
Step #5
Mohawk Valley Gives
FAQs
Who can I give to?
Donors may give to any active, qualified charitable organization with a 501(c)(3) designation and classified by the IRS as a public charity.
Is there anything I can't support?
Donors may not use a Charitable Checking Account for things like pledges, the purchase of tickets or sponsorships where the accountholder is receiving associated benefits, auction items, memberships where the accountholder has not waived all benefits, scholarships for which the accountholder has the majority or deciding vote on applicant(s) selected, grants to specific individuals, and lobbying or political contributions.
How do I recommend a grant?
You can recommend a grant through the Community Foundation's Fundholder Portal or contact our team of experts if you require assistance.
What is the minimum amount I can give to a nonprofit?
$50 is the minimum. Lower amounts may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Can other people besides me contribute to my Charitable Checking Account?
Yes! Share your donation page URL with friends and family so they can donate. Tip: opening an account is a great way to honor special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries or retirements!
Are contributions principal protected?
Contributions to your account are principal protected, ensuring that your balance can be utilized to support the nonprofits you care about the most.
Charitable checking accounts are considered to be an expendable donor-advised fund per IRS guidelines. Contributions made to the fund represent an irrevocable gift to the Community Foundation and the Community Foundation has exclusive legal control over this fund and all donations to it. Please consult a financial advisor regarding the tax deductibility of contributions made to this fund.
