The annual appeal for the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is underway.
Since 2009, the Foundation has awarded 146 grants totaling more than $238,500 to area non-profits. The annual appeal supports the unrestricted endowed fund from which grants are awarded.
Grants to our hard-working non-profits come from the interest on this permanent fund. The principal is never touched, according to Carla Farmer, Foundation chair.
Leading the annual appeal are David Shepherd and Charles Gentry. Shepherd and Gentry serve on the Foundation Board of Directors and have been actively involved in community fundraising efforts over the years.
“Charles and I believe that growing this fund is more important than ever,” said Shepherd. “The needs in our community continue to increase. By supporting the annual appeal, more dollars will be available to provide more grants for our community’s elderly, youth, and quality of life initiatives.”
Gentry added, “This year we have the opportunity to maximize gifts through a match offered by a generous donor. Gifts of any size to the annual appeal will be matched up to $20,000.”
In October of this year, $36,250 in grants were awarded to 18 organizations by the Foundation. The grants affect all age groups and support initiatives including travel vouchers for cancer patients, youth music programs, and funds that help feed and clothe the neediest of our citizens.
One organization to receive a grant this year is CASA. Christa Horn, executive director, stated, “We have serious business to conduct during a very serious time. We wish that our service was not needed, but alas, child abuse and neglect does not care about a pandemic, does not care about safety.”
The funds that CASA will provide will be used to help volunteers continue their work in a time when face to face contact is not possible. “We will use these funds wisely to help our volunteers continue their roles as the eyes and ears of the Courts and the voice of the child,” Horn added.
To make a gift visit fsacf.com or call 620-224-6500.