How to strategically steward your Giving Fund for lasting impact

Learn more about a Giving Fund at NCF

If you’ve already opened a Giving Fundopens in a new tab with NCF, then you’re likely already thinking strategically about stewardship. But what comes next? Whether you’ve had your fund for decades or just a couple of days, these four steps to help you get the most out of your Giving Fund, so you can wisely and confidently support the causes you care most about.

1. Pray over each of your recommended grants

You receive a confirmation email with details every time you make a grant. When you receive that notification, take a moment to pray. Ask God to guide the receiving organization to steward the funding for His purposes. Making this a practice may help you view your gifts in a more meaningful context, rather than as merely transactional.

2. Request a Strategic Fund Review annually

Did you know that our team can generate annual reports to show how and where you give? Just like your personal spending review, this analysis can reveal trends you may not have expected and help you strategize any changes you might want to make. Reviewing this with your family is a great way to engage everyone in the generosity conversation.

Email your Relationship Manager to request a Strategic Fund Review.opens in a new tab

3. Evaluate your investing options

When you opened your Giving Fund, you may have selected specific investment options for your fund’s balance. If you didn’t select an option or bypassed this step, your funds were automatically allocated to our cash reserve pools. If you didn’t select an initial option or if your giving strategy has changed since your fund was opened, now is a great time to reassess your investment choices. NCF offers a range of optionsopens in a new tab, including cash reserves, Faith-Driven, and Traditional Pools, as well as accounts separately managed by your advisor. Consider aligning your investments with your risk tolerance and giving timeline.

Visit your settings in your Giving Fund to review and make changes.opens in a new tab

4. Ensure the right people have access to your Giving Fund

When you opened your fund, did you give your family and financial advisor appropriate access? This step is often overlooked, but it is crucial to ensuring that the right people have the appropriate access to your fund. You can add anyone you’d like and assign them an access level: full-access, advisory, or review-only. And while you’re reviewing this, take a few minutes to ensure that your succession planopens in a new tab is set up as well!