Your gift is doubled through May 31st thanks to a generous matching gift from the Stewards Fund!
100% of your money matches Member’s savings and sustains transitions out of homelessness and poverty.
“Opening the door is a blessing. Closing the door is a blessing. Laying in my bed is a blessing. Cooking. Decorating a house. It’s just a blessing not wondering where your next step is going to be.” — Ms. Laverne


Give monthly, and you’ll become a part of The Founder’s Circle, a cohort of passionate individuals invested in the transformative power of community.
Give by Check
Make checks payable to “Community Empowerment Fund” and mail them to:
Community Empowerment Fund
208 N Columbia St., Suite 100
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
If you are donating in honor of someone or would like to designate your gift to a specific project, please include this in the memo line of your check or enclosed with your envelope. We will promptly send you an acknowledgment (with gratitude!) for your gift, and will also gladly send a special acknowledgment to any person honored by your gift. Simply provide any additional contact information for the special acknowledgment accompanying your gift.
Give by Stock
We’re able to accept donations in the form of stock, government (including municipal) debt and corporate debt through the Depository Trust Company (DTC). For security, settlement and reduced paperwork, electronic transfer through the DTC is preferred. This can be arranged from most brokerage accounts.
DTC Number: 0015
Receiving Firm: Morgan Stanley
Client Account: The Community Empowerment Fund, c/o Margaret West Account Number: 535-027844-025
To ensure accurate designation and tax acknowledgement, please let us know that you have made a gift of stock. Contact Maggie West: 919-200-0233, maggiew@communityef.org.
Fundraise for an Occasion
Meaningfully celebrate your birthday, wedding, or other special moments by launching a fundraiser in honor of your occasion! Set a goal and invite friends and family to contribute! If you’re on Facebook you can fundraise directly from your Facebook page, just click here! You can also use our GiveLively platform by clicking here.
Show me a sample of text I can use with my fundraiser!
For my birthday this year, I am holding a fundraiser for the Community Empowerment Fund (CEF). CEF works with over 1,000 Members each year, supporting them in whatever goals they might have: to gain employment, secure housing, build financial stability—and everything in between. CEF’s volunteer “Advocates” act as connectors to navigate processes and resources across sectors. Collectively, CEF Members have saved over $800,000 towards their asset-building goals, including housing stability and homeownership. The organization is also engaged in local housing systems-change work, and they support community members one-on-one to find and maintain affordable housing.
I’d be delighted if you joined me in supporting this organization!
Give Through Work
Are you interested in DOUBLING or even TRIPLING your donation to CEF?<Br/
Many employers have matching gift programs and will match charitable contributions made by their employees. To find out if your company will match your gift, please click here
Verify that your company can match your donation and follow the instructions provided in the link above. If you have any questions, contact your Human Resources or Community Affairs Department to complete the matching gift process!
Give Through Amazon
AmazonSmile is a program where Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase to any charity of your choosing at no additional cost to you! Click here to start using AmazonSmile and support CEF when you shop online.
Donation FAQ
Is my donation secure?
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. CEF is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization ( EIN: 27-0428981) and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We’ll send it to you upon successful completion of your donation.
Do I get a receipt?
A donation receipt will be sent to you at the email address you provide on this form. Please be sure to keep a copy of your receipt for tax purposes. If you select a recurring donation, you will be sent an individual receipt each month when your donation is processed.