No Matter How You Give, We Can Help You Give Intentionally

By Robin Elmerick, Sr. Director of Effective Philanthropy

There’s no single “right” way to approach charitable giving. In fact, one of philanthropy’s greatest strengths is that generosity looks different for everyone. 

Some people give through financial contributions. Others volunteer, serve on nonprofit boards or support causes informally within their communities. However giving takes shape, each donor brings unique values, goals and experiences to the process. 

That’s where CICF can help. Whether you’re just getting started, giving consistently or thinking about long-term legacy planning, our team can help you shape a charitable plan that fits your priorities and evolves alongside your life. 

Here are a few examples that may feel familiar: 

Giving everywhere, but without a plan
Some donors give generously but reactively, supporting many causes without a coordinated approach. A donor-advised fund at CICF can help organize giving in one place while creating space to think more intentionally about long-term impact. We can also guide you — along with family members or fellow fund advisors, if applicable — through tailored exercises that help clarify your values and focus your giving on the causes that resonate most deeply with you. Over time, some donors expand their giving strategy to include legacy plans or cause-specific funds that support the issues they care about most. 

Focused on results
Other donors want confidence that their giving is making a measurable difference. CICF can help connect you to organizations, initiatives and community needs aligned with your values, from local nonprofits addressing food insecurity to larger regional efforts focused on civic infrastructure, parks and connectivity across Central Indiana. For many donors, that added insight turns hesitation into confidence. 

Starting small
Some donors assume structured philanthropy is out of reach because they are not in a position to make major gifts. In reality, many donors begin with modest contributions and build from there. A charitable fund can provide a simple way to organize giving today, while a future legacy gift through a will, trust or beneficiary designation can create lasting impact over time. 

Already deeply engaged
Many donors are already actively involved in nonprofits, community leadership or more advanced charitable planning. In these cases, CICF can help expand impact through strategies such as gifts of appreciated assets, multi-generational giving and long-term endowment planning. 

The common thread is that charitable giving is not static. It evolves alongside your family, priorities and vision for the future. 

Whether you’re organizing your giving, exploring new opportunities or building a long-term legacy, CICF is here to help you make the most of your philanthropy in a way that reflects your values and strengthens Central Indiana for generations to come.

About the author

Robin Elmerick, senior director of effective philanthropy has been with CICF since 2019. A certified Impact Philanthropy Advisor, she works closely with fundholders to help them define their philanthropic strategies and maximize their impact. With a background in nonprofit leadership and consulting, she is passionate about bridging the needs of the community with the missions of nonprofits and the passions of our fundholders, aligning all three to create meaningful change in Central Indiana and beyond.