There are several benefits. The first is permanence; your fund is reinvesting every single year in a greater community. Because community needs change and evolve, your fund will be there to meet those changing needs and the people who you care about. Your family members can remain engaged in local philanthropy in the community in which they were raised even if they don't live in the La Crosse area anymore. And, there really is no other more cost effective way to support your community than through a permanent endowment fund at the community foundation.