DONOR ADVISED FUND - Shoalts Family Fund
Philanthropy and community involvement have been a way of life for Todd and Kerry Shoalts.
From establishing scholarship funds, to giving time coaching community sports, donating money to causes has been a significant part of the Port Colborne couple’s raison d’être.
In 2019, when they decided to establish the Shoalts Family Fund with the Niagara Community Foundation, they increased the impact they could make and ensured charities would benefit from their good will for years to come.
“As we met with NCF Executive Director Bryan Rose and got to know him, we were impressed with the structure, set-up and history of the organization,” Todd said. “It was very professional. We thought the structure of the Foundation and the fund was well thought out, rather than starting something ourselves.”
Todd and Kerry know that whenever they contribute to their donor-advised fund, NCF will manage their money to have maximum impact. The depth and breadth of NCF’s connections with agencies working to better Niagara was also a selling point for the couple.
“Everything is vetted already,” Kerry said. “They know what the needs are, who the organizations are, which makes it more seamless to give back to our community.”
Still, the Shoalts’ can and do have a say in who benefits from their family fund. With Todd’s lifelong connections to Port Colborne, the couple can choose to direct their contributions to support their immediate community and the broader Niagara community.
They’ve also made giving a family affair, asking their young adult children for input on causes to support with the hope of instilling in them that same sense of philanthropy, along with a desire to contribute to the Shoalts Family Fund when they are able.
The couple also hope their actions will inspire others beyond those closest to them.
“We encourage other families to join NCF,” Kerry said. “It doesn’t depend on the amount of money. It can be any amount and can help any organization.”
Photo Credit: Aaron & Tara Photography
