Connecting Personal Values to High-Impact Opportunities
The Community Foundation’s vision is a lasting community impact. One of the ways the Foundation is making progress toward that vision is by working with donors to create or contribute to funds. We have over 525 funds at the Foundation in two buckets: Donor Directed Funds and our Community’s Endowment.
Donor Directed Funds include:
- Agency and Designated Funds, which support a specific organization;
- Scholarship Funds, which help individuals reach educational goals; and
- Donor Advised Funds, where donors recommend grants are awarded each year.
Community’s Endowment Funds include:
- Common Good Funds support the ever-changing needs of a community; and
- Field of Interest Funds.
Field of Interest funds allow you to target your gift to address needs in the area of your choice – arts, health, education, youth, etc. Our board awards grants to community organizations and programs that are making a difference in the area you select. Your gifts stay flexible enough to meet community needs in your interest area, even as needs change over time.
The Foundation currently manages dozens of Field of Interest Funds in a variety of categories. For example, the Community Mental Health Fund has granted more than $60,000 to support community mental health and harmful substance use initiatives. The Jim and Mary Brucklacher Field of Interest Fund, established as part of their estate, supports programs for individuals and families in Hancock County experiencing homelessness or food insecurity. In four years, the fund has distributed over $34,000 to local organizations.
Field of Interest Funds can support causes or communities, like the funds for McComb and Mt. Blanchard, which provide resources annually to each of those communities. Since Field of Interest Funds are endowed and invested, they will provide funding forever.
You can support Field of Interest Funds at The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation by clicking here to learn about all the Field of Interest Funds we currently manage. Consider supporting one of these to provide permanent resources to the areas you care most about. If you don’t see a fund that meets your interests, consider starting a new field of interest fund outright or with a planned gift. We are here to help you and your trusted advisors explore options. Reach out to start a conversation.
This editorial was originally printed in The Courier Thursday, November 2, 2023.
