|
Greetings Noah!
Happy New Year! We hope 2023 has greeted you with warmth and cheer. While some corners of the world have quieted down this winter season, here at the Foundation, our office has been buzzing with activity. We are happily busy processing 1st Quarter grant applications, holding Scholarship Committee meetings for awards to the graduating Class of 2023, and recommitting ourselves to a new year of work with our donors, Board of Directors, nonprofit organizations, and other local stakeholders to continue the vital work of Building Community together.
|
|
Adult Scholarships
Did you know that the Community Foundation offers scholarships for adults in our community who are going back to school? Polk County and Landrum residents who have lived in our community for at least two years and have financial need (broadly defined) can apply for scholarships to complete classes, certifications, degree programs, and other educational opportunities at accredited nonprofit colleges and universities.
We are still accepting applications for 2023 adult scholarships now until the February 14 deadline. Eligible students are encouraged to apply!
| |
|
2023 Second Quarter Grants
We're now accepting applications for our 2nd QTR grantmaking cycle of 2023, which are due by March 28. Before submitting your application, please complete a brief Letter of Intent form to confirm that your organization is eligible to apply for grants and that your project meets the criteria for one or more of our available grantmaking programs. A companion Guidelines document provides more details about our competitive grant funds and the application process. Please refer to our 2023 Dates & Dollars sheet for more information.
| |
|
|
The Foundation is excited to announce a new fund established by a local donor who is passionate about building opportunities for our youth and our community. The "Polk County Schools Construction Education Technology and Development Fund" will assist in the development, enhancement, and awareness of the Construction Technology Program at Polk County Schools by supporting training, equipment, technology, building materials, and leadership development opportunities for students and teachers interested in this field.
The construction program at Polk County High School has become an innovative statewide leader, not only helping students learn carpentry and other critical workforce development skills, but constructing needed housing for our community, including for Outreach's Hope Village. We can't wait to put this new fund to good use and fulfilling our mission of building community and keeping promises to donors.
| |
A Note for Donors
Sometimes it’s challenging to clearly articulate your philanthropic goals or choose the “perfect” causes to support. Many new and experienced donors alike have been inspired by the variety of funds that are already at work in the community through the Foundation. Some may closely align with the areas you feel drawn to support and provide a model for making your own charitable dreams come true.
We'll continue to feature funds that might be appealing to our community of donors in future newsletters. In the meantime, if you’re interested in starting a new fund or contributing to existing funds like the one highlighted above to allow them to have an even greater impact, please reach out to our President & CEO, Sara Bell at 828-859-5314 or sbell@polkccf.org.
| |
Your Community Foundation - By the Numbers | |
| 48 Years of Continuous Service to the Polk County & Landrum Community | $66 Million in Annually Audited & Professionally Managed Assets* | | 45% of Assets Were Donated for the Foundation to Address Evolving Community Priorities in its Discretion* | $9.9 Million in Grants & Scholarships Awarded in the Past Five Years | | 76 Local Students Awarded Scholarships in 2022 | 86 Local Organizations Awarded Grants in the Past Five Years | | 27 Local Organizations Have Established Permanent Funds at the Foundation | 50 Local Organizations Receive Annual Distributions from Endowment Funds | | $2.61 Million in Annual Average Gifts & Bequests Since 2005* | 224 Permanent Endowed Funds & Non-Permanent Funds | | Many Options for donors | 0 Fundraising Events or Campaigns | | |
|
(All numbers as of Fiscal Year End 2022)
* Includes the Marjorie M. and Lawrence R. Bradley Endowment Fund, a separate corporation established by Marjorie Bradley’s will.
| |
North Carolina Year of the Trail | | |
|
|
North Carolina's Great Trails State Coalition has marked 2023 as the Year of the Trail and here in Polk County we are ready to celebrate! The Foundation has been honored to support many trail projects in our community, including grants for recreational land acquisitions, trail development, as well as the creation of the Trails Coordinator position with the County's Parks & Recreation Department. Stay tuned for more information throughout the year on how you can participate in Year of The Trail right here at home.
Click below to learn more about some of the trails the Foundation has supported to help our community get outside and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us. See you on the trail!
| |
Check out the Polk Trails website for even more local options for walking, hiking, biking, riding, & paddling! | | |
|
NC Center for Nonprofits
The Foundation has been happy to offer grants to local nonprofits to join the NC Center for Nonprofits and renew their annual memberships. The Center offers a wide variety of member benefits, including excellent newsletters, trainings and conferences, a Legal Compliance Checklist, and pro bono professional services. Contact us today for more information about how to take advantage of this streamlined grant opportunity.
| | |
|
TechSoup
Not only does TechSoup provide substantial nonprofit discounts on software, hardware, and technology services, the company also offers a blog, webinars, and forums, and other resources to help your organization make smart technology decisions.
| | |
|
Internal Revenue Service
The IRS provides a wealth of information on its Charities and Nonprofits page, including forms, filing tips, compliance information, and other guidance to help your organization obtain and keep its tax-exempt status.
| | | | |
