NEWS

05/10

An $800,000 gift from the Larry Wedel Foundation kicked off the McPherson County Community Foundation 12 in 12 campaign. The goal of the campaign is to build the endowed funds to $12 million by the Foundation’s 12th anniversary in May 2013.

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has awarded just over $560,000 in grants to McPherson County organizations and individuals. The Community Foundation currently has $6.8 million in endowed funds with the Wedel gift. Other assets for administration and expendable grants total $1.4 million.

During the campaign, there will be several opportunities for people to learn more about the Foundation. Donor coffees will be hosted on the last Tuesday of each month beginning at 9:30 am at the Foundation office, 206 S. Main. No RSVP is required to attend. Other activities include planned giving sessions to review options of how to give various types of assets; informational meetings hosted by organizations with funds at the Foundation; and other special events throughout the campaign.

“Building the endowment is a crucial part of securing a permanent funding resource is available for organizations in McPherson County,” stated Glen Snell, McPherson County Community Foundation Board President. “Our mission has always been to focus on providing services and resources to the residents of McPherson County.”

Endowments are funds that are given to MCCF, invested according to an established finance/investment policy, and grants are distributed annually from the earnings.

Donors can establish a named fund or add to an existing fund. Funds can focus on various programs such as education, arts, human services, environment, and or other charitable initiatives as recommended by donors.

“Endowments are an excellent way for donors to make sure an annual gift will be given to charity forever,” states Becky Goss, Executive Director. “Since 2001, we have served McPherson County residents by helping match the wishes of local donors to local organizations.”

Donations may also be given to other types of funds such as donor advised, field of interest, designated or the unrestricted pool. The type of fund is dependent on three things: 1. Does the donor want to recommend annual recipients; 2. Are applicants selected on a competitive basis; 3. Does the donor prefer to name the annual recipient at the time of establishing the fund.

The new Larry Wedel Fund will be a public health field of interest fund. Grants will be distributed annually for programs/projects focused on public health initiatives, both preventive and maintenance. The Wedel Foundation was funded by Larry Wedel, a long-time resident of Moundridge. He was a farmer and rural mail carrier for a number of years.

The primary intent of the Wedel Foundation was to help people with addictions receive assistance. With the majority of the funds, the Valley Hope/Wedel Clinic Addiction Treatment Center in Moundridge was built for this purpose. In July 2010, there will be a grand opening for the facility which works with both in and out patient clients.

The remainder of the Wedel Foundation money is being used to establish the permanent endowment at the Community Foundation. The hope of the Wedel Foundation Trustees, Fred Schrag, Kirk Stucky and Erik Larson, is the funds will benefit McPherson County residents from annual grants, and help leverage matching grants from the Kansas Health Foundation.

For more information, residents are encouraged to contact representatives at the McPherson County Community Foundation at 620.245.9070. The office is located at 206 S. Main, McPherson. Campaign updates can be found on the Foundation’s website at www.mcphersonfoundation.org.