Gift of $100,000 increases Local Foundation Fund endowment
The Perkins County Community Foundation Fund (PCCFF) recently received a major anonymous gift of $100,000, giving a boost to the Fund’s unrestricted endowment fund. This gift arrived just as the Nebraska Community Foundation released its study of wealth transfer over the coming years, as reported in a recent Tribune article.
Needless to say, members of the local Fund Advisory Committee were ecstatic. Treasurer Michelle Ross stated, “This is an indication that individuals are indeed interested in sharing their wealth to improve our communities for future generations.”
Although wanting to remain anonymous, the donor of the generous gift wanted to inspire others to give back to the local Fund. “Your local Community Foundation is an excellent vehicle rather than trying to find places to give on your own,” the donor stated. The Fund supports local projects of 501-c-3 nonprofit organizations and government agencies, like schools and fire departments, for example.
The donor further challenges local citizens to consider giving to their local charitable organizations. “When we are young most of us are very busy just keeping ahead of the bills and devoting time to our school and community activities,” the donor said. “We don’t even have the time to think about helping financially or physically to our communities. However, giving can be a real pleasure. The important thing to know is giving does not come naturally, it is a habit that one has to start developing early in life. Although giving money is important, starting to give any way you can is more important. Start small, but be consistent, not necessarily in the amount, but just giving regularly,” the donor added.
The anonymous gift lifts the Fund’s unrestricted endowment to a balance of some $775,000. An annual payout of 4.5% supports various community projects.
The local Fund Advisory Committee encourages others to consider their local charities for year end giving, whether by gifts of grain, cash or other means. The Fund recently issued its annual report for 2021, which is available at https://www.nebcommfound.org/give/perkins-county-community-foundation-fund/.
The author is Dennis Demmel, chairman of PCCFF. The Perkins County Community Foundation Fund maintains an unrestricted endowment fund to support projects that provide positive community impact. PCCFF has a vision of “promoting vibrant communities and a high quality of life”. Local government and nonprofit entities can apply for grant funding from the Fund. For grant applications or to make contributions contact Treasurer Michelle Ross at 75785 Road 344, Elsie, NE 68134 or 308-882-8469 or michelle.ross@pinnbank.com. The PCCFF is a nonprofit 501c3 affiliate of the Nebraska Community Foundation.