Building best describes the activity at Tucker Community Foundation. Endowments are building; construction is underway at the building across the way; the new Youth Philanthropy Initiative is off the ground; and by fall we hope to have the first of three boulders in place at Tucker Boulder Park.
The Foundation currently manages more than one hundred endowments that support a wide variety of charitable causes. Some of the funds benefit specific communities and municipalities. The William Harman Memorial Fund established to benefit the City of Parsons is a perfect example. Whether it is for a special project such as cemetery maintenance, or unrestricted, for use where the resources are needed most, an endowment can create a vehicle for donors who want their contribution to stay local. On more than a few occasions donors have inquired about supporting any number of municipalities and communities in Tucker County. Not all have endowments, but the opportunity exists. It just takes one person to lead the charge.
The Tucker County Economic and Community Development Fund, aka TED, continues to build with each donation. On track to generate its first grant award in 2017, TED supports the charitable economic development of Tucker County to include community development activities such as real estate acquisition, relocation, demolition, and rehabilitation of housing and commercial buildings, construction of public facilities and improvements such as water, sewer, and other utilities, street paving, and sidewalks, construction and maintenance of community centers, and the conversion of school buildings, public services, and economic development and job creation/retention activities. TED funds can also be used for preservation and restoration of historic properties in underserved neighborhoods. As the fund builds, the impact for the county strengthens. Any donor or business can contribute to the fund at any time.
Red Creek Construction trucks are lined up at 737 William Ave. The crew is wasting no time in expanding the Highland Market and transforming the space beside it into the new TCF Development Office. The improvements will solidify the Foundations presence in the community and allow Highland Market to increase its product line and services. The main office in Parsons will continue to reside in the Board of Education Annex.
Twelve participants (aka Penelope’s Kids) are enrolled in the Youth Philanthropy Club.
Sandy Frank, Development Assistant, is coordinating the program and had this to say after the first class, “All of the participants were bubbling over with enthusiasm. We talked about the roots of the word philanthropy (friend of humankind). The kids realized how they are all often philanthropists in everyday life by being kind and respectful in all encounters. They explored what they personally value and how that can guide their decision on what they would like to focus their time, talent, and treasure on”.
The Boulder Park project is full steam ahead. Funding has been secured for the trail connector and one of the three boulders. A grant has been filed for the children’s boulder and fundraising is underway for the third and final boulder.
If you listen to WVPR, we hope you enjoy the spots featuring Tucker Community Foundation. The current run acknowledging the Tucker Boulder Park project has generated favorable comments and new inquiries from around the state.
Last year we ran a series of ads featuring horses, boulders, racers, and a “thumbs up” from Gladys Heitz with the tag line not your typical foundation. A series of new ads and a new tag line will be released soon in print and on social media at www.facebook.com/tuckercommfound. Send us your comments.
Our universe of donors is responding with a vision and a passion that is making a difference throughout the region – and others are taking notice. Tucker Community Foundation strives to: partner where possible, make the improbable possible, support good work, and guide donors who want to create their legacy, or honor others, for the betterment of our communities. Our goal is to keep building – today, tomorrow, forever.