Happy Thanksgiving from TCCF

Thanksgiving will be here in just one week. It is that time of year when we Americans traditionally pause to think about what we are truly thankful. I know that most of us, myself included, should take more time throughout the year to reflect.

At the end of October, I had a foot operation that left me pretty immobile. Because of this immobility, when I need to go somewhere, I must rely on the kindness of my wonderful family and friends. These folks need to make sure I get down the steps of my split level home, fetch my knee scooter or my crutches, make sure I get to where I need to be and so much more.

Blanche DuBois, the main character from Tennessee William’s Street Car Named Desire has a line in the play, “I have always relied on the kindness of strangers.” For this independent woman, that is not so much true. Oh, yes, I do need help from time to time; and I have called upon my friends and family when I do so. However, I have never been this dependent before. It is hard to ask for help. So, if you ask me what I am truly thankful for this Thanksgiving and Holiday Season, it is for the gift of loving family and friends who are there when I need them. I hope that they will let me reciprocate for them when they are in need some day.

So, what does my temporary incapacitation have to do the Tama County Community Foundation (TCCF)? Well, the TCCF story is one of partnership, help and reciprocation. The TCCF awards grants to schools, government agencies, and 501(c)3 nonprofits. These grant recipients need the assistance they receive from the TCCF in order to make their monetary goal for their projects. Budgets are tight, and all agencies are grateful for this partnership that makes their projects viable and successful. However, this is not a one-way partnership. These agencies and their projects are part of building a stronger, more vibrant Tama County, and that is why TCCF exists.

Although the TCCF is not a “stranger” to many in the county, there are still people who have not heard of, or are not fully aware, of the TCCF and what it has done to help communities in Tama County. Many agencies come back year after year, asking to partner on a new project for their agency and community. Last year TCCF awarded $102,866 in discretionary grants. TCCF supports projects in the areas of art and culture, education, health, community betterment, environment, historic preservation, and human service. All of Tama County’s cities, as well as many county agencies, have benefited or have been helped by a grant from TCCF. The TCCF has an Impact Fund that anyone can give to. These gifts increase the funds available for each year’s grant deliberations.

Under the umbrella of the TCCF is the South Tama County United Fund. The STC United Fund helps nonprofits, which truly do rely on the kindness of donors. Agencies such as the Tama Opportunity Center, Kid’s Corner, Iowa River Hospice, MICA, and twelve more nonprofits have received HELP from the STC United Fund. Last year the STC United Fund granted $24,200.

A great benefit to those who do choose to give to the Impact Fund or another eligible fund of the TCCF is the Endow Iowa 25% state tax credit. TCCF is an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa (CFNEIA) which is confirmed in compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. Through this partnership, donors to the TCCF are eligible to receive a 25% state tax credit in addition to normal federal deductions for charitable gifts. This tax credit is only available to donors who establish or contribute to a permanent endowment fund supporting Iowa charities at a qualified community foundation, like CFNEIA. (2015’s $6 million charitable allotment of tax credits are already gone and those who contribute before the end of the year will be put on a waiting list for next year. One might think that this is not “good”; however, it really is “good” because it shows that more Iowans understand how permanent endowments HELP their communities.”)

Listed below are types of funds that could permanently HELP those who live in Tama County:

Donor or Corporate Advised Funds: These funds allow you to make a gift to the TCCF and then remain actively involved in recommending grants from your fund each year. You receive maximum tax benefits for each new gift. Grant awards are issued to charities in the name of the fund or anonymously, if you prefer.

Scholarship Funds: By creating a permanent scholarship endowment fund with TCCF, you can invest in your community’s future and demonstrate your commitment to education. A scholarship fund through the TCCF could target any particular school district or it might be more general in nature. For example, a donor who has been a supporter of 4-H could establish a fund to annually benefit an Tama County 4-H member, no matter what school district he or she attends.

Field of Interest Fund: These endowment funds help you target your giving to address specific areas of need in your community, such as arts and culture, senior care, education, or the needs of at-risk youth. Gifts to establish these funds in the TCCF have a bit broader scope, while still permitting the donor to focus giving on strong personal interests.

Designated Funds: With these funds you can support the good work of one or more specific nonprofit organizations. If, for any reason, the organization you select ceases to exist or changes its mission, the fund can be redirected so that it continues to address your original charitable intent.

Creating an endowment fund through the TCCF is a simple process.

– You make a gift to the TCCF (cash, appreciated securities, real estate, grain, or other assets)

– TCCF establishes a fund in your name, in the name of your family or business, or in honor of any person or organization you choose.

– Your gift will be placed in a permanent endowment that is invested over time.

– You receive significant tax benefits in the year your gift is made.

– TCCF handles all administrative details and awards scholarships to deserving students in the name of the fund you establish.

– You receive updates on the impact your gift is making, as well as recognition as a donor to the TCCF.

HELPING through the TCCF is a wonderful and deeply meaningful way to impact your community for generations to come. The TCCF has been created by and for the people of Tama County. The Foundation’s primary goals are to support charitable projects and programs, to attract additional funds, and to assist donors in creating lasting legacies through a variety of giving options within Tama County. For more information about the TCCF, contact Brian Sokol, committee chair of the Tama County Community Foundation, at 641- 484-2980, or Mary Fasse-Shaw, Development Associate for Tama County, at 641-751-5251.

The Tama County Community Foundation does not want to be a “stranger” to the people of Tama County. The Tama County Community Foundation wants the citizens of Tama County to know that they are here to be a partner in doing good. I hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, surrounded by those who you love the most.