Community Foundation for Monroe County Established

New Resource to Support and Inspire Philanthropy Now Available with a Dollar-for-Dollar Matching Opportunity

Nelsonville, OH – Four community members have come together to establish the Monroe County Community Foundation in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO). Nikki Baker-Lude, Ryan Moyer, Karena Reusser, and Gywnn Stewart created the permanent endowment fund at FAO to help Monroe residents give locally, ensuring Monroe County resources benefit its citizens and communities forever.

“This is a brand new opportunity for Monroe County,” said FAO President and CEO Cara Dingus Brook. “The Monroe County Community Foundation is unique because it allows every gift given to make a difference beyond our lifetimes.”

Gifts to the Community Foundation are not spent, but invested with the interest and earnings used to support community efforts through grants. For this reason, local community foundation funds are powerful vehicles for communities looking to grow resources to address their current and future needs, as well as support developing opportunities. Starting a community foundation fund, where many come together to contribute and grow resources over time, creates a great asset for a county and its residents.

“While the initial gift came from the four of us, this is intended to be something we build, grow, and guide together,” said Monroe County Community Foundation Committee Member Karena Reusser. “The Community Foundation is something we have dreamed about for Monroe County, and we are thrilled to have this new avenue of support for our community to make a difference here locally.”

In celebration of the new Monroe County Community Foundation, the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio will match donations, dollar-for-dollar, up to $5,000. FAO is delighted to match gifts from current and past residents, as well as those friends of Monroe County who would like to support Monroe and its future. To be eligible for the matching gift, donations must be made before December 31, 2014.

Gifts are tax deductible and can be made in many ways, including cash, bequests, life insurance, and charitable remainder trusts.  To mail your donation and have FAO match it, please designate the Monroe County Community Foundation and mail to PO Box 494, Woodsfield, OH 43793. You may also donate online by clicking here.