Max Thompson
Sweet Home Community Foundation
The Sweet Home Community Foundation (SHCF) has concentrated on increasing contributions to support our mission of funding community projects that best meet the needs of Sweet Home.
The legal formation of a 501(c)3 charitable foundation takes over a year and can take even longer to become recognized in the community worthy to receive financial contributions. As of 2000, we met the requirements of the IRS, and all contributions to the SHCF qualify for a tax deduction to the full extent allowed by law.
The SHCF was formed with the financial support and as a spin off of the Sweet Home Economic Development Group (SHEDG) in 1997. A goal of the foundation is to build a permanent endowment fund that can be invested so the annual interest earnings will provide funding for community projects. Another goal is to accept restricted contributions for specific projects that our Board of Directors agrees meet the mission of the foundation.
At this time, our Board of Directors consists of seven volunteer directors and a recording secretary with no paid employees. The foundation began receiving contributions in 1999. In 2000, we received more than $6,000; in 2001, more than $7,000; 2002, more than $16,000; and so far in 2003, we have received more than $15,000. Each year shows growth and steady progress.
These contributions came from many individual contributions for both restricted and unrestricted projects, from our own Board of Directors and from funding through the City of Sweet Home and SHEDG.
The SHCF has used the bulk of contributions for grants to community projects. In 2001, we granted $6,000 to the median beautification project. In 2002, we granted more than $6,600 to the median beautification project and $2,500 to the Shea Point restroom project. In 2003, we granted $7,000 to the median beautification project and have awarded $13,730 to six community organizations in our first annual competitive grant program.
There are many worthwhile charities and organizations in Sweet Home working to improve our community. The SHCF has been able to assist these organizations through out grant program but not to the level to meet the need.
For our first grant cycle, $38,350 was requested for worthy projects, but only $13,730 could be funded. Your contributions, no matter the size, will help achieve our goal to improve the quality of life in Sweet Home.
If you would like to contribute or would like more information, persons may contact President Bob Burford at 367-5181.