Community Foundation distributes nearly $2 million
(September 28, 2006) – The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts reported a record year at its annual meeting, distributing nearly $2 million from their general and donor-advised endowments.
“It certainly was an impressive year in terms of dollars raised and distributed. The impact of the new grant dollars is making a difference,” noted Thomas F. Bagley, III, chairman of the Foundation.
Eleven new funds were established during their fiscal year, which ended June 30, 2006, and total assets grew 180% to a little over $11 million dollars.
In his report Bagley highlighted the Summer Up program, which was funded in part through the Foundation’s general endowment. It was noted that 120 middle and elementary students in Fitchburg, Leominster and Gardner participated in the program, which is designed to decrease crime by creating recreational and academic opportunities in a supportive environment.
Mr. Bagley also reviewed a grant made from a donor-advised fund that included the awarding of $15,000 of mini-grants to strengthen the internal capacity of nonprofits. The following groups were awarded funding: Athol Bird and Nature Club/Millers River Environmental Center, $1,000, to enhance and integrate technology; Greater Gardner Community Development Corporation, Gardner, $1,200 for strategic planning; Children's Aid and Family Services, Fitchburg, $3,000, for board development; Habitat for Humanity, Fitchburg, $2,190 for board and volunteer training; House of Peace and Education, Gardner, $1,650 to develop a resource and marketing capacity-building plan; North Central Charter Essential School, Fitchburg, $3,000 to engage in a strategic visioning process; and Twin Cities Community Development Corporation, Fitchburg/Leominster, $3,000 to build management information capacity to better manage and maintain membership information.
The Foundation currently has 57 donor funds in addition to its general fund, and four regional funds that include the Greater North Quabbin Fund, The Greater Gardner Fund, The Nashoba Valley Fund, and Twin Cities Fund, which benefit a wide-range of community needs, from the arts, humanities, environmental concerns, education, or health and human services from throughout the community.
