25 Stories for 25 Years
Nonprofit organizations can partner with the Community Giving Foundation as a way to plan for permanent financial support and future sustainability. Agency endowment funds—created by the organization or by a donor/group in partnership with the organization—grant back to the nonprofit annually to support its mission and ever-changing needs. The Foundation also facilitates a wide range of gift types (like stock, qualified charitable distributions, and estate gifts), creating more ways for donors to support the nonprofit missions and initiatives close to them.
Columbia County Volunteers in Medicine Clinic
The Columbia County Volunteers in Medicine Clinic opened its doors in 2007, with a mission to improve the health of the medically underserved population in its community. With sights set on long-term sustainability, the Clinic established an agency endowment fund with the Foundation in 2019, letting its funders and community know that a fiscally responsible plan was in place for the future. Setting up these funds has reduced the burden of annual fundraising and allowed the Clinic to create new and expand existing programs through a reliable income source.
"We hope that some day clinics like ours are no longer needed, but until then we plan to be here to meet the medical needs of our community. The Clinic is very fortunate to have an ongoing relationship with a Foundation that believes in our work and helps us continue to carry out our mission in perpetuity." (Dr. Bipin Chopra, MD, MBA, Clinic Executive Director)
Selinsgrove Commons
Over 25 years ago, a dedicated and passionate group of volunteer leaders, residents, and business owners worked together to create the Selinsgrove Commons, a beautiful park in downtown Selinsgrove that serves as the heart of the town. Overseen by Selisngrove Projects, Inc. and a dedicated Commons Committee, an agency endowment fund was created in 2015 to care for the beautification and management of the park in perpetuity. AS a result of the many generous donors that have contributed to the fund since its creation, the Commons continues to serve as a gathering place for the community.
Whether you head to the Commons for an organized event (like the summer concert series, local farmer's market, or street fair) or an impromptu picnic in the park, the impact of the space is clear—the time and persistence poured into the Commons continues to promote a spirit of togetherness.
Photos courtesy of Downtown Selinsgrove and The Selinsgrove Commons.