Susan Michael, Allen County Community Foundation director, explained what the foundation’s long-term goals at See, Hear Iola Friday.
Michael said the foundation wants to build a culture of giving where the community can see results, be a facilitator of knowledge and solutions, become permanent and sustainable for many years to come and be a bridge to help all non-profit organizations.
“We direct funds to causes that matter to local citizens,” Michael said.
This week the Foundation was able to help Hope Unlimited by giving it a grant for operations. During See, Hear Iola Michael asked Georgia Masterson, director of Circles of Allen County, to come forward. She presented Masterson with a check to help assure people have “sufficient resources to end poverty.”
There are multiple types of funds in the Foundation. Michael explained how each is different. Unrestricted helps address emerging and persistent needs in the community; donor-advised make recommendations on distributions to qualified charities; designated establishes funds for specific organizations of the donor’s choice; field of interest specifies an area of interest; scholarship supports students; and expendable-special projects help with short-term, non-endowed funds for specific objectives.
ACCF has a special projects fund with Kiwanis and Mothers of Miracles to help build the new handicap accessible playground for Allen County.
The Foundation helps with community philanthropy to better the community, Michael stressed. To learn more about ACCF contact Michael at 620-380-6154 or stop by 202 South State Street, Iola.
Commerical speakers were Linda Milholland and Marian Highberger from Windsor Place. They told about progress of Windsor Place’s “Age to Age” program. Highberger said that the program is in its fourth year, having the USD 257 preschool classroom at Windsor Place. The young students interact with residents, which has proved a high point of the day Windsor Place residents.
Highberger said that there are studies being done on the program that show its benefits.
“The kids are ahead of other kids in their classes on social and reading skills,” she said.
The women said residents volunteer to help with the students and the relationships firmly bond throughout the year.
“The kids learn how to accept people with disabilities,” Milholland said.
Next month See, Hear Iola will be on Nov. 22 because of Thanksgiving.
To reach Kayla follow her on Twitter @Kayla_IolaReg or email her at kayla@iolaregister.com.
Foundation helps others
