What Makes Stablish Unique?

When we decided to start Stablish Foundation in 1995, we spoke with potential Donors and their Investment Advisers and asked what they thought would make an ideal Community Foundation.

We took what we heard and created Stablish Foundation with the following unique characteristics:

1. Stablish Foundation was the first Community Foundation in Minnesota to offer Donor Advised Funds (DAF), not just Trusts;
2. Stablish Foundation does not pool assets from various DAFs. Rather, each DAF is segregated in its own investment account, allowing for easy reporting to the Donor.
3. Stablish Foundation maintains a triangular relationship between Stablish, the Donor and their Investment Advisor. The Donor’s personal Investment Advisor can remain as the advisor to the DAF, if he or she desires to do so.
4. Stablish Foundation does not have a specific minimum to start a Donor Advised Fund, since we believe that all Donors, regardless of their net worth, should be able to create a Legacy through charitable giving, if they so wish.
5. Stablish Foundation permits the Donor to modify their Statement of Charitable Intent as frequently as they desire since their charitable interests and goals may change over time.
6. Stablish Foundation will vet smaller charities recommended by Donors to make sure that the charitable organization is a valid 501(c)3, and that they use the donated funds as intended by the Donor. This allows Donors to consider small, unique charities that have significance to them, not just charities on a previously curated list.
7. Stablish Foundation has an independent third-party audit done every year, even though this is not required by law.
8. Stablish Foundation offers a personal touch. Donors and Investment Advisors have direct contact with a specific person within the organization, not just whoever happens to answer the phone.

It is these eight qualities that separate Stablish Foundation from the larger, better-known Community Foundations and these eight qualities that help our Donors to create their personal Legacy.