New Rockford Community Foundation Seeking Year-End Donations
October 23, 2012 – The New Rockford Community Foundation, which provides grant money to local non-profits, is appealing to community businesses and residents to consider a donation in any amount to maximize matching dollars available for this year.
Individuals, families, organizations, and businesses are all welcome to make a tax-deductible donation directly to the foundation fund. All money donated or raised up to the first $10,000 per year is matched dollar for dollar by the North Dakota Community Foundation, doubling the impact of each year’s fundraising efforts.
In addition to a tax deduction on the donation, businesses donating to the fund may also be eligible for a 40% tax credit, meaning they could receive that percentage of their donation back from the IRS, while the fund still receives the full, and matched, donation amount. (For example, an eligible business donating $1000 would effectively spend only $600, while the Foundation would receive $2000.) Farmers with incorporated farming operations are also eligible for the 40% tax credit, as are any individuals who donate at least $5000.
The New Rockford Community Foundation local advisory board raises money and gives away the interest earned on the total fund each year as grants to non-profit organizations in the community. Funds are administered by the North Dakota Community Foundation, which handles this and many similar community foundations in the state.
All money raised goes into a permanent fund, providing a source of grant funds for local charities long into the future. Since its inception in 2008, the NRCF has provided $3700 in grants to local organizations, and the amount available each year increases with each dollar raised.
A major fundraising event is planned for spring 2013, which is expected to garner a significant portion of available matching funds for next year. For fiscal year 2012, more than $7000 in matching funds is still available, only accessible if donations come in by the end of the year.
To learn more about the NRCF or to make a donation, contact the local coordinator, Jessica Dillon, at 947-2205 or speak to an advisory board member: Josh Guler, Gail Weisenburger, Tom Hartl, Laura Anderson, Loren Nieuwsma, Amy Cudworth and Kerri Allmaras. Donations may also be sent directly to PO Box 775 in New Rockford.