I love the fall – the cooler temperatures, the warmer colors, the apple-cinnamon scents – all the autumn rituals. The first weekend of October, I went to the local farm stand and bought pumpkins and mums to decorate the outside of the house, just as I have done every year for a long time now. I won’t be hosting any football parties, and I’m not sure yet whether we will have trick-or-treaters. Still, there’s comfort in the ritual.

In fact, October feels like the beginning of a series of traditions that slide us downhill quickly to the end of the year and the start of a new one, doesn’t it? Despite all that is different about this year, I imagine that feeling will remain. And if you find yourself caught in 2020’s unique time warp, these last few months may slip by even more easily.

At NCCF, this time of year marks the approach of the end of annual grantmaking. So far, we’ve made $21,982,447 in grants, but we are not done. If you are a donor-advised fundholder with spending left to do, here are some thoughts on how to support the needs of your community and your state.

• Nonprofits have had a tough year. You’ve heard us champion general operating support grants, and with significant revenue losses and increased demands, that flexible funding is more valuable now than ever. Choose your favorite one and give them an end-of-year boost.
• Another way to support nonprofits is through their endowments. NCCF is pleased to steward hundreds of endowed funds established by nonprofit organizations to serve as an enduring resource. We can easily make a grant from your donor-advised fund into one of those endowments. Check out our list of funds here, where you can select organizations by choosing agency funds under our filter by type menu and see a full listing across the state.
• Each year, NCCF’s statewide board issues a challenge – called the Chairman’s Challenge – to our local affiliate foundations across the state. Any dollars raised by an affiliate foundation in November towards their grantmaking endowment will receive a proportional match of funds raised by NCCF. You can find an affiliate serving a community close to your heart here and see your support of their community grantmaking fund amplified through our challenge match.
• Of all the grantmaking we have done this year, more than $4,000,000 has supported needs related to COVID-19. We have learned a lot about organizations that are responding to the pandemic, and we are happy to make recommendations for grants to support them.
• Or if you have something else in mind – a specific cause or interest that feels inspiring – but you are not sure how to meet that charitable goal, contact your donor engagement officer here for ideas. Nothing gives them more pleasure than helping you achieve your philanthropic intentions.

You have until December 10 to make recommendations from your fund. I know that feels like a long time from now, but don’t let that downhill slide get the better of you. End this year knowing that you’ve made the most of the charitable opportunity your fund offers to your community.

For more details on how to make final grants of 2020, click here or reach out to your donor engagement officer.