Blog Posts

Every year, thousands of graduating East Texas students dream about what comes next. For some, that dream is earning a college degree. For others, it's pursuing technical training, certification programs, or specialized careers that will allow them to support their...

At the community foundation, we are honored to work with many individuals, families, and businesses who support the causes that matter most to them and help make our entire community a better place to live. In many cases, trusted professional advisors, including...

As fundraising season ramps up across East Texas, we want to help our donors navigate IRS rules surrounding charitable contributions connected to fundraising events. Many fundraising opportunities—including gala table sponsorships, golf tournament teams, and similar...

High school and college graduations traditionally mark the beginning of summer vacation. And if you are not a student, the reliable marker for vacation season is the long Memorial Day weekend. As we pause to reflect on sacrifices that have been made by many to secure...

You’ve no doubt noticed that Qualified Charitable Distributions (“QCDs”) continue to gain traction as one of the most practical and effective charitable planning tools for clients over age 70 ½. By allowing eligible clients to transfer funds directly from an IRA to a...

If you’re like many advisors, you may have discovered that often charitable giving conversations begin (and end!) with cash or appreciated stock. And of course, you are well aware that appreciated stock is an excellent choice for your clients to fund a donor-advised...

After nearly two decades working at East Texas Communities Foundation, I have recently come to a simple epiphany, an “aha” moment, regarding helping people establish their charitable legacy. As Smokey Bear has proclaimed since 1947, “Only you can prevent forest...

East Texas Communities Foundation is currently accepting applications from East Texas students for scholarships to be awarded for the 2026-27 academic year. The deadline for submission of the online application is March 1, 2026. Detailed eligibility criteria and links...

It’s hard to find the perfect gift. I was reminded recently why charitable giving is so important and may just be the perfect gift. East Texas Communities Foundation was contacted by the Plunkett family in 2020 to help them solve a difficult dilemma. Members of the...

Giving season has arrived. There has been a noticeable uptick in phone calls to East Texas Communities Foundation (ETCF) and several area professional advisors have pulled me aside at recent local events to tell me they are working with clients on end-of-year giving...