Once you have decided to give, you have a number of ways to accomplish your philanthropic goals.

Endowment Funds
These gifts are the long-term funding source for projects at Miller-Dwan Medical Center, Polinsky Medical Rehabilitation Center and other community nonprofits involved in health care service, education or medical research. Endowment funds can be established as unrestricted or restricted resources.

• Unrestricted funds give the Foundation board maximum flexibility in responding to current and emerging challenges. Unrestricted resources allow a quick response to pressing health care needs.
  
• Restricted funds provide parameters for use; you can name a type of service, institution or population you would like to see benefit from your gift. We will use these funds to support well-conceived, well-managed projects at these institutions or within these areas of interest.

Designated Funds
Designated Funds are established to meet a specific medical need or to benefit specific services or groups of people. The Miller-Dwan Foundation maintains over 30 designated funds that are available to address current needs. Your interest—together with assistance from our knowledgeable staff—can make sure your funds are directed to meet the needs you care about.

Donor Advised Funds
These funds are an option for donors who wish to be a part of the grant-making process. When you create a donor-advised fund, you and your family have the opportunity to actively participate in your philanthropy. You retain the right to serve as an advisor on grants awarded by the Foundation board of directors, and through your advice, you help us more fully understand your long-term charitable interests.

Special Focus Funds
These funds are developed in response to important community needs identified by  health care and other professionals who understand the needs of people in our region. The Abilities First Fund, established in 1999, is one example of this response. It is designed to help people with physical disabilities and significant financial limitations secure the medical equipment they need to more actively participate in life activities. You may direct your giving to an already established special focus fund and guarantee a continuation of caring.

Variance Power
The Foundation maintains variance power over all funds in order to allow the ability to respond to unforeseen changing circumstances. We are committed to fulfilling your wishes, but if the intended purpose of the gift becomes unnecessary or impossible to fulfill, we want to ensure that your gift continues to be used for purposes consistent with your original intentions.

For questions or comments specific to giving opportunities and charitable partnerships with the Miller-Dwan Foundation, call 218-786-5829 or contact us at giving@mdfoundation.org.

To make an online credit card gift, click here.