Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 - OTSEGO COUNTY
The Otsego County Community Foundation has reached a milestone in awarding grants and scholarships in Otsego County "Those community leaders who dreamed and then created the Otsego County Community Foundation in 1994 can be very proud of what they accomplished", said Bill Dawson, executive director of the foundation, which recently
surpassed $500,000 in grant and scholarship awards. The Foundation is a nonprofit corporation created to accept contributions, invest them and return the earnings, in the form of grants and scholarships, for the benefit of Otsego
County residents. "Equal credit goes to those who created the Otsego Education Foundation that has supported and
enhanced educational opportunities in our community for more than two decades." said Dawson. The Community Foundation and the Education Foundation merged in 2005. The mission of the Community Foundation is to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of the area now and for future generations by building community endowment, awarding grants and scholarships and convening leadership on identified community issues.
The Foundation manages only two kinds of funds: endowed funds where the original gift is invested forever and only the earnings are spent; and, temporary funds, usually in memory of a departed friend or loved one. with a known limited life where both the original gift and the earnings are intended to be spent.
As of Dec. 31, 2008, the Otsego County Community Foundation had awarded $523,497.64 in scholarships and grants within our community. "The local nature and diversity of our board of directors. Grant Committee and Education Committee members ensure an even and equitable distribution of grant and scholarship awards that meet the communities current needs" said Dawson.
Grant history of the Community Foundation includes support of charitable. cultural, scientific, literary, environmental and health related organizations in our community. Public, private and home school students have received scholarships in the past and teacher minigrants have been awarded to public and private schools as well.
Those individuals and organizations interested in more information about the Otsego County Community Foundation, making a gift to an established Fund or creating their own legacy Fund may call Dawson at 989-731-0597.
