Community Foundation distributes over $2 million
(December 10, 2007) – The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts reported a record year at its annual meeting, distributing over $2 million from their general and donor-advised endowments.
“Because of our growth, the Foundation was able to distribute significant resources back into a wide-range of important community programs,” noted Thomas F. Bagley, III, chairman of the Foundation.
It was also noted that eighteen new funds were established during their fiscal year, which helped total assets grow from $11 million to a little over $14 million. Bagley also reported that the Foundation secured a $165,000 Jesse B. Cox Charitable Trust challenge grant in two years, one year ahead of schedule. The dollars will be distributed to area programs through the Foundation’s grant making process.
Bagley highlighted the Summer Up program, which was funded in part through a $120,000 grant from the Foundation’s general endowment. The program is designed to decrease crime by creating youth recreational and academic opportunities.
This is the second year the Foundation has funded the Summer Up program, which had 120 middle and elementary students in Fitchburg, Leominster and Gardner participate in the program. Students who take part in the program receive summer school and recreational support in addition to job readiness training.
In addition, from the Foundation’s general fund, The Community Health Center of Franklin County received $19,000, to reduce re-hospitalization rates; United Neighbors of Cleghorn, $19,810 to identify and help prioritize unsafe housing in Fitchburg; Leominster Land Trust, $7750, to create trail maps; Fitchburg Historical Society, $7,750 to link its programs to the school’s curriculum; Matson Community Services, $5,000 for training; and North Quabbin Time Bank, $5,000 for a program in the greater Athol region to encourage people to volunteer.
The Foundation currently has 57 donor funds, which had distributions of $2.7 million for the year to a variety of nonprofit organizations. Since its inception, 6 years ago, the Foundation has awarded more than $5 million to cultural, health and human services, environmental and civic organizations.
The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts serves the charitable interest of donors in Ashburnham, Ashby, Athol, Ayer, Barre, Bolton, Clinton, Devens, Erving, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Littleton, Lunenburg, New Salem, Orange, Pepperell, Petersham, Phillipston, Princeton, Royalston, Shirley, Sterling, Templeton, Townsend, Warwick, Wendell, Westminster, and Winchendon.
