(Woodstock, VA) The Shenandoah Community Foundation recently marked a major milestone in philanthropic giving. Since 2008 Foundation has awarded over $1 Million dollars and is continuing to give more in grants and scholarships each year.
“It is a testament to the generosity of this community that such a relatively young organization has been able to give so much,” said Program Coordinator, Jeanne Russell. “We are so grateful for the vision and the growing support from the citizens of Shenandoah County that enables us to really make a positive difference in local people’s lives.”
Founded in 1999 by a group of concerned citizens, The Shenandoah Community Foundation was the brain child of Warren French who thought Shenandoah County could benefit from a local community foundation. He hosted an informational meeting for interested people, and the Shenandoah Community Foundation was born.
Since that meeting, the Foundation has grown to hold assets of over $2.8 million at the end of 2015. The Foundation is home to over 57 active funds which awarded over $145,000 in grants and scholarships in last year alone. Their unrestricted grants program made possible by Woodstock Anonymous, benefits area non-profits, to the tune of $47,250 last year and is set to award the same amount again in May.
“We provide a vehicle for local donors to make their dreams for this community come true,” says Foundation President, Jeff Dalke. “Whether one wants to remember a loved one with a memorial scholarship or support a favorite cause, we help set up permanent funds to support those aims.”
What differentiates the Shenandoah Community Foundation from other non-profits is the ability to pool donor Funds, invest them, and then award the proceeds to support each fund’s aims, over and over again. As the fund grows so do the award amounts. And anyone can invest in any fund at any time.