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$52,000 available from Lincoln County Community Foundation

by The Western News
| August 9, 2024 7:00 AM

The Lincoln County Community Foundation has money to give away.

The foundation is seeking applications from 501c3 non-profits in the communities in south Lincoln County. Applicants must fill out a brief application. The available money is $52,000.

"We are in the third year of increased funding for grants using the Robert Pederson Endowment," foundation Chair Paula Darko-Hensler said. "That endowment was established for the community of Libby by Robert Pederson, a longtime employee of the St. Regis and Champion lumber mill in town."

In more than 22 years of giving grants, LCCF has far surpassed the original amount of the endowment of $250,000. That endowment was grown by using fundraisers done by the board and donations by community citizens. 

"We are proud to report with the gifts added last year, the endowment is $1.6 million," Darko-Hensler said. "It is held in a permanent investment account managed by the Montana Community Foundation. This year LCCF has $52,000 available for distribution. Last year we awarded grants of $37,000 to worthy non-profits in the communities of Troy, Libby and the Yaak."

For those wishing to donate to the foundation, it can be done with a cash gift, a planned gift such as a life insurance policy, or part of an estate in a person's will. There are tax advantages for planned giving and corporate giving. 

Should you wish to donate contact Paula Darko-Hensler, Chair at pdhensler@gmail.com or Jim Seifert, Treasurer at jpseifert@hotmail.com. Both would be happy to visit with you. Other members of the board are: Linda Gerard, Bernie Cassidy, Allison Lundin, Betty Jo Wood and Amy Smart.

To apply, download the application at mtct.org. Use the menu to find Local Foundations. The LCCF webpage can be found using the graphic of the state. 

The written application must be mailed and postmarked no later than August 31, 2024.

"Do not miss this opportunity for a chance to receive money instead of fundraising for it!" Darko-Hensler said.