2013 Grant Applications are now available.

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Application for Elk County Community Foundation

The Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF), an affiliate of the Community Foundation of North Central Pennsylvania, announces their annual granting cycle applications are now available to area nonprofit organizations. The ECCF welcomes applications for funding as part of its mission to promote the betterment of Elk County and to enhance the quality of the life for all residents. Applications will be accepted through July 15, 2013 and are available by calling the ECCF’s office at 834-2125 or via their website at www.elkcountyfoundation.com.

Funds will be award for such community development initiatives that will enhance the economic and community well-being of Elk County. Distribution from the grants can be used to meet special project or program needs of organizations serving the people ofElkCounty. The Foundation encourages organizations that will serve a particular need of the community and will make a lasting impact on the overall community to apply. The Foundation seeks to fund projects or activities that will serve the needs of many in the community rather than the needs of a few individuals. Projects should include activities that are innovative and have a plan to be sustained themselves. In addition, grants are made to support programs serving all persons regardless of race, religion or creed and are made only to tax-exempt, charitable organizations.

Organizations that feel they meet the above criteria of the economic and community development are invited to submit their application to the foundation. Grants will be reviewed and approved by the end of August. The funds come from the Foundation’s endowed Community Economic and Development fund and the Fund of the Future general endowment. The form now must be completed electronically and returned via email.

In 2012, over $32,300 was awarded to several organizations which include:

The St. Marys Economic Development Corporation (EDC) for their Revolving Loan Program

Community, Nurses Inc.

Mt. Zion Historical Society

Johnsonburg Borough

ECCHS Band Boosters

St. Leo School

County of Elk Recycling Office

Ridgway Township

St. Marys Heritage Preservation Group (Picture attached of the newly completed Downtown Beautification Project including Hanging Flower Baskets that were first seen complete at the Memorial Day Celebrations)

The Foundation also administers a number of other funds that grant throughout the year. Check out the other Grant application on their website at www.elkcountyfoundation.com. ECCF is a non-profit organization that manages endowed funds established by donors for area non-profit organizations. Donor gifts are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

Taylor Schutz Memorial Scholarship

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The Taylor Schutz Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Elk County Community Foundation, is one of the newest scholarships available to a SMAHS graduating Lady Dutch Basketball player. Rebecca Krieg was awarded the first Taylor Schutz Memorial Scholarship with the amount of $250.00. Rebecca, daughter of Dan and Cheryl Krieg, will attend Temple University to study pre-law in the fall.

Taylor Schutz was an all-around athlete, and true to each sport she played. Two sports that Taylor was most devoted to were volleyball and basketball. She was a “stand out” in these sports not just because of her ability, but due to her humble personality and positive attitude. Taylor had a sincere love of the game, and it meant more to her to be a part of a team than to receive any type of individual recognition. She modeled sportsmanship and fair play in competition. Taylor inspired those who were fortunate enough to know her either on or off the court. Taylor’s young life was cut short last summer due to a tragic accident.

“This scholarship was created by the Lady Dutch Basketball Boosters in honor of Taylor Schutz because of her impact to the basketball program,” said Arlene Anderson, president of the Lady Dutch Basketball Boosters. Earlier this spring they held a Donkey basketball tournament to initially fund the scholarship. Their goal is to continue to grow the fund to make this and ongoing perpetual scholarship that will recognize a Lady Dutch Basketball player and honor Taylor. Individuals can contribute to the fund through the Elk County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 934, Saint Marys, PA 15857 or visit www.elkcountyfoundation.com.

The Elk County Community Foundation currently administers 55 scholarship funds and 40 agency and donor advised funds. If you are interested in establishing a fund please contact the Elk County Community Foundation at 814-834-2125.

Pictured in the center is Rebecca Krieg with Taylors Family.

Right to left

Jessica Schutz, Rebecca Krieg and Bob Schutz in front Ashlynn Schutz

Elk County Humane Society receives a Grant

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Recently the Elk County Humane Society showed off their facilities to representatives from the Charles and Doris Schloder Memorial Fund. This donor advised fund is held and administered by the Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF). Annually the Donor advisors to the fund that include, Betsy and Bob Roberts and Betsy’s brother John Scholder, determine a worthy non profit who is in need of funds. This grant of $679 was a “pleasant and welcome surprise” said Gwen Hoffman, a volunteer and board member for the Humane Society. She said the dollars will be used for the ongoing support the Human Society’s work.

The representatives from the Foundation were very impressed with the shelter. They were equally impressed by the dedications of volunteers and the cleanliness of the operations, and of course, by the darling 8 weeks old pups pictured with the group. These are just a few of the adorable pets available for adoptions at the shelter. For more information about adoption visit their website at www.elkcountyhumanesociety.org.

Donor Advised Funds through the Community Foundation is an effective, flexible solution for charitable giving. After establishing a fund, donor advisors, like the Scholder Family, recommend grant distributions annually. Their goal is to ensure that the Fund continues the charitable works that both Mr. & Mrs. Schloder had done in our community during their lifetime.

ECCF is a non- profit organization that manages endowed funds and administers a number of scholarships for individuals and groups. Donor gifts to the Foundations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

Pictured are left to right:

Morgan Bacon, Val Stump from the Humane Society, Donor advisors Betsy and Bob Roberts and Vanessa Eozzo and Gwen Hoffman also from the Human Society.

Community Foundation Elects New Board Members and Officers.

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Elk County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of North Central PA is pleased to announce the election of the new Board Officers. Serving the Foundation as President, Mr. Don Valone, with Vice President being James Meyer, J. Hamlin Johnson will continue as Treasurer as will Richard Smith will continue to serve as Secretary. Every two years a new president is elected and is appointed the task of overseeing board meetings and chairing the Executive Committee. Don has been involved with the foundation since 2004. He has also served on the Investment Committee and many other task groups as needed. He, along with the other new officers, look forward to leading the Foundation. In addition the Board of Directors welcomed, Fritz Lecker as a new board member.

The Elk County Community Foundation is known for giving scholarships and grants to other non-profits in Elk County and surrounding communities but that is not its true business. The real business of the Foundation is helping people, families, groups, and businesses to be philanthropic or charitable. We provide the administrative and investment management services that make it easy for donors to accomplish their charitable wishes. These tax deductible donations will improve the quality of life in our communities.

Behind each gift and each charitable fund is a story: a story of vision, generosity, hope, commitment, family history and legacy. The Elk County Community Foundation is a collection of as many as 93 charitable funds-many stories-each reflecting the diverse ways that people choose to help their community and support the causes that matter to them.

At the Elk County Community Foundation, the vision is to connect our donors’ passions to the needs and causes that matter in our community. As an organization, they are consumed with the implications of the current federal and state budget cuts and the economic down turns: for ourselves, for our families and for our community. The Foundation feels that it is even more important for us to be ready and able to help our community in these wavering times. If you are interested in finding out more about how to become involved with the Foundation please call 814-834-2125 or check out their website at www.elkcountyfoundation.com.

Picture includes at right to left: James “Jake” Meyer, Richard Smith, Fritz Lecker, Ham Johnson, and Don Valone

Foundation Grateful to Stackpole Hall

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Recently Paula Fritz Eddy, the Executive Director from the Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF), met with the Board of Trustees from the Stackpole-Hall Foundation to thank them and report to the Trustees how their investment in the Elk County Community Foundation has contributed to the success of the organization.

Since the inception of ECCF, Stackpole-Hall Foundation has provided, initial operating dollars; encouraged trustees to support ECCF; and ongoing guidance and assistance from their staff, Dr. William Conrad and Dennis Bonanno. Over the years Stackpole-Hall’s support has been nearly three quarters of a million dollars. ECCF has been able to give their total support back to the community two and half time and by year end they will have grown to nearly 10 time their combined gifts. “Because of the support from the Stackpole-Hall Foundation, the Community Foundation was able to concentrate on developing relationships and establishing named funds” said Mrs. Eddy. She went on to say that “ We did not have to do major fundraisers that would compete with the agencies we are trying to help with our dollars.”. ECCF remains grateful to the Stackpole-Hall Foundation for their support and partnership that helps strengthen our region.

Unfortunately, due to weather predications a number of the out of town Trustees were not able to be there.

Pictured are Sitting L to R

Heather Conrad; Deborah Dick Pontzer; Dauer Stackpole

Standing is Larry Whiteman Jr., Ham Johnson; Paula Fritz Eddy; Bill Corard and Rich Masson

Missing from Photo are:
Laurey Stackpole Turner; Doug Dobson; Francis Grandinetti, John Saalfield, Megan Hall, Alexander Sheble-Hall