To Fund a Good Cause, Start Your Own Foundation

What can you do to make the world a better place? One of the best things
you can do is create a charitable foundation to contribute to a cause
that's near and dear to you.

What can you do to make the world a better place? One of the best things
you can do is create a charitable foundation to contribute to a cause
that's near and dear to you.

Establishing a foundation is no longer an activity confined to the
wealthy. By definition, a foundation is simply a philanthropic
organization that contributes financially to designated causes. Anyone -
regardless of income - can set up a foundation, according to the
National Heritage Foundation. In fact, the organization's mission is to
help individuals and corporations do just that.

Established in 1968, the National Heritage Foundation provides the tools
and support needed to set up foundations for charitable, educational,
scientific or religious activities. It takes care of all of the
administrative tasks involved in running a foundation, including
receiving all donations, making disbursements, sending charitable
receipts for donations, and ensuring compliance with state and federal
regulations. It also can help with marketing and fundraising strategies.

To date, nearly 9,000 foundations have been created under the National
Heritage Foundation umbrella. Here are some examples of foundations you
can start.

* A foundation for your community that contributes to beautification
projects, public works and safety initiatives, and recreation programs.

* A foundation for athletes.

* A foundation for the disabled.

* A foundation that helps fund projects in foreign countries.

* A foundation to benefit a school, college, hospital or place of worship.