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In 2003, the Foundation was selected by the Grand Victoria Foundation in Chicago to partner in a program called “Communityworks.”  After a year of study, Grand Victoria concluded that community foundations have the potential to make a greater impact on the quality of life across Illinois than any other community organizations.   Eighteen community foundations […]

As part of our “Ask the Foundation” series, we’d like to tell the story of how and why the Community Foundation got started.   In 1999, eight leaders of the Morris community gathered to think about the challenges to the future of our community.  It is ironic that many of the concerns today are the

To continue our series “Ask the Foundation,” we’ll answer the question “How do non-profits apply for grants?”   The Community Foundation of Grundy County has a number of ways to assist area not-for-profits obtain funding and other support for their projects and mission, including grants, networking, and marketing.   The board of directors establishes a

  Once again, our annual Donor & Partner Appreciation Night on May 13th was a great success!  There seemed to be more energy this year – everyone was deep in conversations and new friendships were made – very exciting!   Morris Country Club did a great job – the food, drink, and service was excellent. 

  Donor Advised Funds: We Do the Work – You Get the Credit     As part of our “Ask the Foundation” series, we’d like to offer some questions and answers about our most flexible service – donor advised funds.   What is a Donor Advised Fund? A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is a charitable

Since adding new board members last fall, the Community Foundation of Grundy County has been conducting mini lessons at board meetings to review the basics of community foundations, the role of the board, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of both board and staff.   We decided that we should also take a step back

Believe it or not, it’s hard to give money away.  It’s not that there’s a lack of great charities and projects.  It can often be a lack of creativity and knowledge, for both the donor and the charity.   Sometimes a charity is so focused on the daily needs of their clients that they don’t

  If you are over age 70-1/2 and have an IRA, you know that you are required to take distributions.   However, with a new law that was signed by President Obama on December 17th, you can donate to charity from your IRA and not have that distribution be counted by the IRS as income.

  President John F. Kennedy said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”   At this time of Thanksgiving, we want to express our thanks to all of Grundy County, especially our donors, partners, and volunteers.  Your continued support

“Generosity doesn’t necessarily come down through genes.  Generosity and sharing have to be taught.”   These words were spoken by Thomas H. Lake, namesake of the Lake Institute for Faith and Giving at the Center for Philanthropy at Indiana University.   The Institute also points out that the landscape of charitable giving is changing, leaving