Museum sets $500,000 goal for endowment

Monday, February 4, 2008

The Putnam County Museum has announced a goal to increase its endowment to $500,000 by Dec. 31, 2009.

The target is based on the museum's success with the Putnam County Community Foundation Endowment Builder Program, which includes a previously undisclosed major gift.

The museum's endowment with the Foundation now stands at more than $426,000. The museum has achieved the goals of the first two Endowment Builder phases: $20,000 in each phase, matched both times by $10,000 from the Foundation. An appeal to museum members last fall put the museum over goal before the most recent Dec. 31, 2007 deadline, garnering nearly $18,500. Included in that total were 14 gifts of $500 or more which qualified for matching funds offered by museum executive board member Sally Gray.

"The executive board has been extremely encouraged by the support of our membership and our Putnam County community," president Warren Macy said. "As a result, we have decided to make public our goal to reach a half million dollars in endowment over the next two years."

A significant portion of the endowment includes a major gift from Mary Lou Miller. The Foundation received the gift for the museum endowment some time ago, but the museum decided to wait to announce it until the right time.

"That time is now," Macy said. "With our goal within reach, we hope the generosity of the community, including Miss Miller's extraordinary gift, will help maintain the momentum toward our ultimate goal."

The purpose for the endowment is to underwrite major budget items such as rent and utilities incurred by the Museum.

The Museum has applied for the third phase of the Foundation Endowment Builder Program, with another goal of $20,000. If new gifts reach that goal by Dec. 31, 2008, the Museum will earn an additional $10,000. Any gift of $500 or more also will earn a 50 percent match from Sally Gray.

For more information about contributing to the Museum endowment with the Putnam County Community Foundation, contact Warren Macy at 653-9341, Sally Gray at 653-4863, or Endowment Committee Chair Chris Wurster at 655-9090.

The mission of the Putnam County Museum is to collect, preserve, and interpret the natural, historical, and cultural heritage of our county through education, exhibits and programs.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: