Foundation offers matching funds for new memorial/tribute program

The Scott County Community Foundation has announced an exciting opportunity for the community. Through Sept. 30, 2009, the Foundation will provide $25,000 in matching funds for its new Forever Tree Society memorial and tribute program.

You can become a part of the Forever Tree Society beginning with a $500 gift. And now, with the matching funds approved by the Board of Directors, your gift is matched dollar for dollar. All donations are tax-deductible.

“We are very pleased to announce this opportunity for anyone in the community to become a member of the Forever Tree Society,” said Lowell L. Lowry, executive director of the Scott County Community Foundation. “With these hard economic times, it’s exciting to be able to offer matching funds to our donors.”

There are three levels in the Forever Tree Society: the Blossom Fund, the Willow Fund and the Oak Fund. All donors who give an unrestricted gift of $500 or more honoring or memorializing a significant individual, organization or business will establish a Blossom Fund.

When gifts reach the $10,000 level, or a donor makes an unrestricted gift of $10,000 or more, a Willow Fund is created. This fund becomes a “stand alone” unrestricted endowment fund, in which a portion of annual earnings are granted in the name of the honoree each year during our grants cycle.

When gifts to a Willow Fund reach $50,000, an Oak Fund is created. The earnings from this fund will support a specific charitable project in the community.

While no additional gifts are required to maintain any of these funds, donors are encouraged to consider future gifts so that the Forever Tree Society’s impact will continue to grow in Scott County.

Like your every day actions, your charitable gifts have an impact on others. They feed the hungry, educate our children, preserve history and beautify our community. Perhaps you have considered a charitable legacy to continue your philanthropy beyond your lifetime, to have your family name remembered and the fruits of your giving benefiting generations forever.

Most of us, if given the chance, would like to leave a lasting legacy to show that our life, or the life of someone we love or admire, has made a difference in society. In some way, a contribution to an important work or cause will benefit the lives of others for years to come. In the past, only a privileged few could create such legacies. But today, through the Scott County Community Foundation’s Forever Tree Society, many more of us can participate and experience the satisfaction that comes from being able to make a difference for generations.

For information on how you can honor or memorialize a loved one or your family, or give tribute to your favorite organization or business, please contact us today at 752-2057.