Investing in What Matters

How a Donor-Advised Fund Helped Emily and Gregg Painter Give Back

written by Emily Painter

When we moved to Galena in 1972, we instantly fell in love—with the hills, the architecture, the rich history, and most of all, the people. From the beginning, we’ve felt a deep responsibility to invest in the community that welcomed us so warmly.

Over the years, we’ve given back in many ways— through volunteering our time and ideas, serving on boards, leading tours, and supporting civic, church, and community organizations. We've also contributed financially when we could, always with the goal of helping our community thrive.

Creating a donor-advised fund (DAF) through the Community Foundation of Jo Daviess County has been one of the most rewarding decisions we’ve made. This fund gives us a simple, flexible way to support the causes that matter most to us. With a single, tax-deductible gift, we’ve built a dedicated fund that allows us to make meaningful grants to organizations close to our hearts—without needing to rearrange our household budget each time.

Having this “designated pot” of money ready to support the issues and organizations we care about is a wonderful feeling. It allows us to give with intention and confidence, knowing our gifts will make a difference. We continue to congratulate ourselves on choosing such a special and nurturing place to live, work, and raise our family—our Galena, our Jo Daviess County. And we’re grateful to the Community Foundation for giving us a powerful, lasting way to contribute to its future.

Interested in creating your own donor-advised fund?

Learn how a DAF at the Community Foundation can help you support the causes you care about, both now and for years to come. Visit www.cfjodaviess.org or contact us at hello@cfjodaviess.org to get started.