Foundation's matching grants available

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

The Putnam County Community Foundation announces the availability of matching grants for endowments benefiting charitable organizations in Putnam County to help them become self-sustaining.

Matching grants are available for an organization's existing or soon-to-be created endowment at the Community Foundation. Grant applications are due to the Community Foundation office by Monday, March 3.

Organizations applying must set a goal for their endowment building campaign and have a plan to successfully complete the goal. If awarded a grant, organizations will be able to have contributions to its endowment matched as soon as June 1 of this year.

All charitable organizations are eligible to apply, including 501(c)(3) non-profits, churches and units of government. The application is one-page, front and back, with only one attachment.

This opportunity is created out of the Community Foundation's commitment to support local charitable organizations and help them become self-sustaining through an endowment and planned giving. Community Foundation staff members are available to help organizations and individuals establish endowments for this purpose. "This is a perfect way for donors to maximize their gifts to a charity. Each gift truly makes a lasting impact," said Eric Wolfe, Community Development Director for the Community Foundation. "The entire community benefits from local organizations that are financially solvent and providing valuable services."

So far, there has been a 100 percent success rate with 25 campaigns being successful in reaching their endowment building goal. Six campaigns are still underway. In total, all of the completed and existing campaigns will have endowed $893,583 for local charities in just two years!

The Community Foundation welcomes all eligible organizations to apply. Applications can be found online at www.pcfoundation.org.

To request an application in an electronic or hard copy format, contact Nelda Shoemaker at 653-4978. For questions about the endowment building program, to schedule consultation in completing the application, or to learn more about endowments, please contact Eric Wolfe at the same number as above.

The Community Foundation is a public charity established in 1985 to serve donors, award grants, and conduct community development to enrich the quality of life in Putnam County.

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