Miami County Kansas Foundation: Driving Community Development 

Kansas, Miami County is not just a geographical location; it’s a community bound by shared values, aspirations, and a vision for a brighter future. Central to this vision is a Miami County Kansas foundation: The Miami County Community Foundation. Established in 2007, the foundation has been a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change in the region.

Our mission at the Miami County Community Foundation is clear and impactful: to augment charitable giving that will enhance the quality of life, cultural enrichment, and educational advancement in the greater Miami County area. 

This commitment is not just in words but in our actions. Since our inception, the foundation has been instrumental in fostering a more conducive business environment, elevating the standard of living, and promoting cultural and educational growth in Miami County. With an array of donor-advised funds and scholarship funds, the Miami County Community Foundation is unwavering in its dedication to nurturing the community where its members work, live, and cherish every moment.

Whether you’re a resident of Miami County or someone looking to understand the essence of community-driven development, this journey through the endeavors of the Miami County Community Foundation promises to be enlightening and inspiring.

The Pillars of the Miami County Kansas Community Foundation

At Miami County Kansas Community Foundation, we stand tall as a beacon of hope and progress in the heart of Kansas. Our pillars, deeply rooted in the ethos of community development and philanthropy, have been instrumental in shaping the landscape of Miami County. Let’s look into these foundational pillars that define our very essence:

• Established legacy: Founded in 2007, we have embarked on a mission to enhance the business climate, uplift the quality of life, and foster cultural and educational growth in the greater Miami County region. Over the years, this mission has been the guiding light for all our endeavors.
• Diverse funding mechanisms: The foundation boasts an array of donor-advised funds and scholarship funds, catering to various scales and scopes. These funds are the lifeblood of the foundation, ensuring that resources are always available to support the community’s needs.
• Philanthropic vision: At the heart of the Miami County Community Foundation is the desire to assist donors in realizing their philanthropic dreams. By establishing both restricted and unrestricted endowments,  we provide avenues for individuals to make a lasting impact during their lifetime or through planned giving.
• Granting for change: The income generated from these endowments and direct donations is meticulously channeled to provide grants to numerous nonprofit organizations in Miami County. These organizations, in turn, create ripples of positive change, touching countless lives and communities.
• Impactful Narratives: Our lives are woven with stories, and one such touching narrative is about Avelyn’s mother. Following the devastating loss of her daughter in 2014, she was driven to establish a meaningful tribute to Avelyn. With the Miami County Community Foundation’s backing, the “Avelyn Sonshine Journey” emerged, a project that provides children’s bibles and coordinates the yearly “Let Your Light Shine Family 1 Mile Walk & 5k.” This endeavor, reflecting human resilience and the strength of unity, can be delved into at www.letyourlight-shine.com.

As you can see, this Miami County Kansas foundation is not just an organization; we are a movement. A movement that believes in the power of collective effort, the magic of giving, and the potential of every individual in Miami County. These pillars stand as a testament to our unwavering commitment to our mission and the community we serve.

Join us in shaping a better tomorrow for Miami County. Your support is more than just a donation. It’s an investment in our community.

How To Make Charitable Donations That Positively Impact Miami County, KS

When it comes to making charitable donations, this  Miami County Kansas foundation offers  numerous options to ensure that your donations have a lasting impact on the community. Here’s a guide to making meaningful contributions:

• Establish a fund: Establishing a fund with the Miami County Community Foundation is a profound way to leave a lasting legacy in the community. We administer various restricted and unrestricted endowments that are contributed through diverse sources. By establishing a fund, you can support the community’s betterment, ensuring that the quality of life continues to flourish. The foundation is comprised of donor-advised funds and scholarship funds, all dedicated to enhancing the community’s well-being.
• Gifts by will or trust: Bequests, or gifts made through a Will or Trust, offer a chance to make a significant difference in the community’s quality of life. By including the Miami County Community Foundation as a beneficiary in your Will or Trust, you ensure that your charitable wishes are honored, benefiting the community for generations to come.
• Cash and income-providing gifts: Donating cash, stocks, bonds, real estate, or other income-producing assets to the Miami County Community Foundation qualifies for maximum charitable benefits under state and federal laws. Such gifts are a straightforward way to contribute to an existing fund or establish a new one. 
• Gifts of life insurance: Life insurance offers a convenient method to make a significant charitable gift upon your demise, with tax benefits you can enjoy now. By making us the owner and irrevocable beneficiary of your life insurance policy, you can receive tax deductions and ensure that your charitable intentions are realized. 
• Give a fund: Impact the community today by donating to some of the existing funds or the Miami County Community Foundation General Fund. Such contributions can be made via credit card through the foundation’s website or by check.
• Retirement plans: Transferring assets from retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans, IRAs, or profit-sharing plans, to a charitable organization can be tax-efficient. By designating us—the Miami County Community Foundation—as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, you can ensure that your charitable wishes are fulfilled while enjoying tax benefits.
• Memorials and honor gifts: Honor a loved one’s memory or celebrate significant milestones by making memorial or honor gifts. These gifts can be directed to an existing fund or used to establish a new one, ensuring that the honoree’s legacy lives on in the community.

Every donation made through the Miami County Kansas Community Foundation, regardless of its size, plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Miami County. By choosing any of the above methods, you can ensure that your charitable contributions have a lasting and positive impact on the community. Remember, it’s not just about giving; it’s about making a difference.

How a Donation to the Miami County Kansas Foundation Could Also Benefit You

Charitable giving is not just about supporting worthy causes; it’s also an avenue for donors to reap tangible benefits. At the Miami County Kansas foundation we offer different ways for individuals to make impactful contributions while also enjoying financial incentives. Here’s how your donation to the Miami County Community Foundation can benefit you:

1. Tax deductions: Donating to eligible charitable organizations, such as the Miami County Community Foundation, can lead to potential tax savings. Individuals can reduce their taxable income by contributing to an IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) public charity. However, it’s essential to note that only donations to 501(c)(3) organizations qualify for tax deductions.
2. Legacy and memory: Donating in memory of a loved one is a profound way to keep their legacy alive. The Miami County Community Foundation offers opportunities to make memorial or honor gifts, ensuring that the honoree’s legacy continues to benefit the community. Such contributions can be directed to specific causes or used to establish new funds.
3. Financial planning: Donating assets like private stocks can be financially beneficial. You can typically deduct the full fair market value when given to a public charity. Moreover, donating private stock usually sidesteps capital gains taxes when the charity sells the stock. This approach offers a strategic avenue for financial planning, allowing you to optimize your tax liabilities while supporting the community.
4. Documentation and record keeping: Proper documentation is crucial when claiming tax deductions for charitable contributions. Ensure you maintain comprehensive records, including bank statements, credit card statements, receipts from charities, and acknowledgment letters for larger donations. For noncash donations valued at least $500, the IRS requires additional documentation, such as Form 8283, and for items exceeding $5,000 in value, a qualified appraisal is necessary.

Your contributions to the Miami County Community Foundation are more than just charitable acts; they’re investments in the community and in your financial well-being. Every donation, regardless of its size, plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Miami County. Your support is not just a donation; it’s an investment in our community and a testament to the spirit of giving.

Transform lives with just one click – Your donation can make real change possible. You have the opportunity to transform lives to provide resources to those who need them most.