“Community foundations impact lives, solve problems, and improve futures,” said Wendy Rose, executive director. “In a down economy, with limited resources and a growing demand for services, there is more need than ever for PCCF to assist our community in finding effective and innovative solutions to challenging problems.”
Community foundations are independent, public entities that steward philanthropic resources from institutional and individual donors to local nonprofits that are the heart of strong, vibrant communities. Last year PCCF distributed over $166,000 to support charitable causes from adult education and fire departments to wildlife and scholarships. The Foundation also convened local stakeholders to raise awareness of the wide range of issues presented by our aging population, and is encouraging youth philanthropy at the elementary and high school levels.
Community foundations represent one of the fastest-growing forms of philanthropy. Every state in the United States is home to at least one community foundation—large and small, urban and rural—that is advancing solutions to a range of social issues. Indiana is unique in the nation with at least one community foundation to serve every county.
The Pulaski County Community Foundation declared November “PCCF Month,” kicking it off November 1 at their annual celebration. In addition to observing Community Foundation Week, National Philanthropy Day (the15th) will be recognized around the world as people participate in celebrations and special events to recognize the efforts of volunteers, donors, corporations, foundations, small businesses and others to improve their communities. Locally, PCCF will offer a program at the Pulaski County Public Library at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 16. The public is invited to attend.
Individuals may also recognize PCCF Month by volunteering time or expertise for a charitable cause, donating to a favorite PCCF fund or scholarship, or by visiting the Foundation at 127 E Pearl Street in Winamac, online at www.pulaskionline.org, or on Facebook.
Launched in 1989 through a proclamation by former president George H.W. Bush, the first Community Foundation Week included a congressional briefing about the work of community foundations throughout America and their collaborative approach to working with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to address community problems.
