The Russel Hill Cancer Foundation is a local effort.  Every dollar donated to the Foundation stays in the area and supports bold, innovative cancer research, education and patient assistance.

Lynne Berry, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, remarked, “Russel Hill Cancer Foundation will receive several benefits from this investment with the Community Foundation.  Funds that we manage for nonprofits are listed on our printed materials, on our website, and are mentioned in our presentations.  Our management fees are very competitive and there will be educational and promotional opportunities to grow the fund.  Most importantly, a fund increases the stability of a nonprofit and strengthens the effectiveness of their strategic planning. By delegating the administrative tasks of managing funds to the Community Foundation, nonprofits are free to focus more energy on fundraising and developing donor relationships. We congratulate the Russel Hill Cancer Foundation on their business acumen and professionalism and look forward to working with them to increase this asset.”

The Community Foundation of Huntsville/Madison County has donated more than $2.1 million to charity since it began in 2009. From left, founding board chairman Chris Russell, chair Bob Ludwig, Joe Alexander, Pam Alexander, executive director Lynne Berry and past chair James Gilbert. (Submitted photo)

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- A Huntsville foundation has announced donations of more than $2.1 million to charity since it began four years go.

The Community Foundation of Huntsville/Madison County also announced that Joe and Pam Alexander were named founding benefactors at the organization's April meeting.

The Alexanders provided $100,000 in seed money to begin the foundation, set up the foundation's first donor-advised fund and provided the foundation's first bequest, according to founding board chairman Chris Russell.

The Alexanders last year also provided the foundation a rainy-day fund to provide financial security until it reaches self-sufficiency.

"Pam and Joe Alexander care deeply about this community," Russell said in the announcement. "They had the vision to see that a community foundation could effectively and efficiently increase giving to all non-profits and churches. They made a commitment to do everything in their power to see that a community foundation was established here.

"Joe and Pam Alexander will always be able to point to the Community Foundation of Huntsville/Madison County and know that they provided the foundation for its establishment and critical growth. Most importantly, our community will grow stronger over the coming decades for their vision and leadership."

The foundation has set up funds totaling more than $11 million, holding 96 donor-advised funds and 24 non-profit funds.

Of the $2.1 million donated to charity since the foundation's start, more than $1.3 million remained in Madison County.

Thanks to the partnership with individuals, corporations, foundations, organizations, and municipalities within our community, the Land Trust, a non-profit organization,  has been able to preserve and maintain over 6,500 acres of land in the last 25 years – right here in North Alabama.  These dedicated supporters have made possible:

• Safe havens for wildlife
• Award winning summer outdoor education experiences for children and families
• Exceptional musical events during the spring, summer, and fall at Three Caves – a venue unlike any other in town!
• Over 45 miles of groomed trails where folks in our community can run, walk, hike, bike, and explore
• Safe outdoor laboratories to study water, soil, and the incredible and diverse flora and fauna of North Alabama for the many scientists that live in our community
• Places for folks in our community to connect with one another, to connect with history, and to connect with something much greater than self

With ongoing support from our constituents and organizations such as the Community Foundation, the Land Trust will continue to find and protect more places for all in our community to rest and relax, to observe and study, and to actively enjoy at any time of year.

Lynne Berry, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, remarked, “The Land Trust of North Alabama will receive several benefits from this investment with the Community Foundation.  Funds that we manage for nonprofits are listed on our printed materials, on our website, and are mentioned in our presentations.  Our management fees are very competitive and there will be educational and promotional opportunities to grow the fund.  Most importantly, a fund increases the stability of a nonprofit and strengthens the effectiveness of their strategic planning. By delegating the administrative tasks of managing funds to the Community Foundation, nonprofits are free to focus more energy on fundraising and developing donor relationships. We congratulate the Land Trust of North Alabama on their business acumen and professionalism and look forward to working with them to increase this asset.”

Each year the Food Bank supplies food to over 200 feeding programs in North Alabama reaching approximately 104,000 people in need—more than the populations of Florence and Decatur combined.

In recent years the Food Bank has seen a 21% increase in the number of people seeking food assistance – many for the first time. This fund will aid our ability to meet this increased demand and help us work proactively to end the need for charitable food assistance in the first place. We will use the fund’s earnings not only to feed the needy, seniors, and children but also to support thriving family farms, create greater access to healthy food choices, and catalyze entrepreneurship within our local food economy.

Currently North Alabama residents spend 2.4 billion dollars a year on food – of which 2.2 billion is spent on food produced outside our region. By supporting local food entrepreneurship, the Food Bank works to retain these local food dollars leaving our local economy, build wealth in our region and foster a more food secure North Alabama. These proactive strategies address a root cause of hunger in North Alabama: poverty.

Lynne Berry, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, remarked, “The Food Bank of North Alabama will receive several benefits from this investment with the Community Foundation.  Funds that we manage for nonprofits are listed on our printed materials, on our website, and are mentioned in our presentations.  Our management fees are very competitive and there will be educational and promotional opportunities to grow the fund.  Most importantly, a fund increases the stability of a nonprofit and strengthens the effectiveness of their strategic planning. By delegating the administrative tasks of managing funds to the Community Foundation, nonprofits are free to focus more energy on fundraising and developing donor relationships. We congratulate the Food Bank of North Alabama on their business acumen and professionalism and look forward to working with them to increase this asset.”

Dr. Hulsey said, “As the educational leader in North Alabama, Randolph takes the responsibility of educating the next generation of leaders very seriously. Through Randolph’s exciting new initiatives in community learning, the School will broaden the reach of its programs and make a more lasting impact on all of Huntsville’s youth. When investigating opportunities to forge partnerships that support student learning and leadership development, it was natural for Randolph to build a relationship with the Community Foundation. We look forward to partnering with the Community Foundation and all of North Alabama so together we can educate our future leaders.  Education today is no longer the mastery of core academic courses; it is the challenge to apply knowledge in creative ways to solve multidimensional problems. Through the community learning initiative, Randolph is taking the bold step to re-imagine how students can be best prepared to lead in civic, social and economic arenas, both local and global.”

Lynne Berry, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, remarked, “Randolph School will receive several benefits from this investment with the Community Foundation.  Funds that we manage for nonprofits and schools are listed on our printed materials, on our website, and are mentioned in our presentations.  Our management fees are very competitive and there will be educational and promotional opportunities to grow the fund.  Most importantly, a fund increases the stability of the organization and strengthens the effectiveness of their strategic planning.  By delegating the administrative tasks of managing funds to the Community Foundation, Randolph is free to focus more energy on fundraising for this effort. We congratulate Randolph School on their business acumen and professionalism and look forward to working with them to increase this asset.”

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – UAH and local institutions supporting education, basic human needs, literacy, arts and culture will benefit from an estate plan from an anonymous Madison couple.

Merrimack Hall is one of several Huntsville entities that will benefit from a Madison couple’s estate plan with the Community Foundation of Huntsville/Madison County. (File photo)

The University of Alabama in Huntsville, as well as an Ohio preparatory school, are the primary beneficiaries of the estate plan. Both institutions will receive funds for an annual scholarship.

In addition, organizations that provide for adult literacy and basic human needs and specific agencies – the Huntsville Botanical Garden, the Huntsville Museum of Art, Merrimack Hall and WLRH – will be able to apply for funds each year.

“When we moved to Madison in 1983, the city had no traffic lights, one grocery store and the population was less than 5,000,” the couple said in a prepared release. “We have seen tremendous growth since then and have come to cherish our community and all that it has to offer.

“Madison County has been good to us and, through the Community Foundation, we wish to acknowledge and support those entities that have helped give us a good life and provide support to those who have the desire but perhaps not the financial means to also make a good life in this area,” the couple said.

The plan was coordinated between the couple’s estate planning attorney and the Community Foundation of Huntsville/Madison County.

“In a situation like this, the Community Foundation can provide a comprehensive service. These folks had thought that they were going to have to make separate agreements with all the charities they wanted to benefit,” said Lynne Berry, executive director of the Community Foundation.

“Instead, funds will come from their estate to a designated fund at the Community Foundation and our staff will handle everything, sorting out the distributions each year in order to meet the goals they established during their lifetime. We hope that this estate plan will not come to fruition for a very long time. When it does, the Foundation will carry out their wishes,” she said.

Honorees included Intergraph, Linda Smith, United Way of Madison County Youth Leaders Council, the Jurenko Foundation and Chris Russell. (Courtesy photo)

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Several individuals as well as businesses and charitable foundations were honored for their service to the community at today’s Summit on Philanthropy. The Community Foundation Huntsville/Madison County hosted the summit, which was held at Adtran’s Mark C. Smith Conference Center.

The Butterfly House & education center at the Huntsville Botanical Garden is home to the nation’€™s largest open-air butterfly house. Over 2,000 butterflies are released into this 9,000 square foot structure seasonally. In this August 2012 file photo, Janet Piper, a seasonal gardener at the garden holds a portable container filled with butterfly chrysalises. She places a butterfly in the hands of Aubrey Breland, 7. With her is her sister, Abbey, 11, who were visiting from Ardmore, Ala. The Botanical Gardens is one of the most prominent displays of community generosity in the Huntsville area. (The Huntsville Times/Dave Dieter)

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – The results of the generosity of long-sighted people surrounds anyone who lives in or visits Huntsville and the Tennessee Valley.

A day-long summit on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, will help business and community leaders build on that “culture of giving.”

Friday, Nov. 9, 2012, is the deadline for registering for the 2012 Summit on Philanthropy organized by The Community Foundation of Huntsville/Madison County.

The Community Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps connect donors with the areas of need in Madison County. The Foundation also helps people plan donations and bequests to maximize the tax benefits of donations and, even more importantly, to help local non-profits strengthen their donor bases.

Dr. James Gilbert, current president of the Community Foundation; Bob Ludwig, former publisher of The Huntsville Times, is incoming president.

The summit would be useful to people of all income levels who want to learn the best ways to give to their community.

The annual day-long summit this year includes information on the smartest ways to give, creating a culture of giving, leaving a legacy with savvy estate planning, the economic outlook and the future of giving. The summit is organized with plenary sessions, panels and break-out sessions.

The keynote address will be given by Carol Butler, the executive director of the Mike and Gillian Goodrich Foundation, a private foundation in the Birmingham are that seeks to strengthen communities in Birmingham and Alabama. Butler is a past president of the Central Alabama Community Foundation . She also helped in the establishment of BridgeBuilders Alabama, a two-year youth leadership development program.

The registration fee, $50, includes materials and lunch. More details and the registration brochure are posted at CommunityFoundationHSV.org.

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – The word philanthropist conjures up images of fabulously wealthy people donating to big causes, but that isn’t always the case. Everyone can help their community, and the Community Foundation of Huntsville/Madison County has some tips on the best way to do it.

To help donors of all levels better plan the ways they give, the foundation is holding its third annual Summit on Philanthropy on Nov. 15. The event, “Growing a Culture of Giving,” will take place at Adtran’s Mark C. Smith Conference Center, 901 Explorer Blvd. from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

“Our target audience is donors and potential donors, people who want to be givers and want to learn more about how to do it in a smart way,” Lynne Berry, the foundation’s executive director, said.

In fact, Carol Butler, the keynote speaker for the luncheon portion of the summit, will give a talk called ” Size Doesn’t Matter: Anyone Can Create a Culture of Giving.” Butler is the executive director of the Mike & Gillian Goodrich Foundation, which seeks to strengthen communities and improve the quality of life in the Birmingham area.

“Anyone can give and that is definitely true,” Berry said. One of the components of the summit will address the difference people can make over a lifetime by targeting an organization for their donations or how they can effect several nonprofits with a more “scatter shot” approach.

The summit will begin with a Givers Panel, a popular portion of the event, Berry said. This year, Bob and Phyllis Baron, Debra Jenkins, Cindy Griner and her daughters, and John and Kathryn Regner will discuss why they give.

Bob Baron is founder, CEO and president of Baron Services, which develops weather monitoring systems. He and his wife have made a number of financial gifts to organizations such as Burritt on the Mountain, which named its recently opened multipurpose building “Baron Bluff” in honor of the Barons.

Debra Jenkins founded Merrimack Hall with her husband, Alan, and profits from the arts and music programs at Merrimack benefit several programs for children and adults with special needs.

Cindy Griner set up a charitable foundation with the Community Foundation, and her daughters, Gabrielle and Samantha, have input in how the money is distributed. The girls, who are in middle school, research organizations and make recommendations.

“It’s a great way to instill a culture of giving within the family,” Berry said.

The Regners were asked to serve on the panel because of some estate planning they’re doing that has the potential to benefit nonprofits.

Along with having the panel members discuss why giving is important to them, the summit organizers also plan to honor a number of people and companies who have made significant charitable contributions to the community.

The summit also includes several breakout sessions: how to work with professional advisers; how to maximize the tax benefits of giving; the economic outlook and the future of giving; how to combine passion and purpose to create a personal culture of giving; and estate planning.

The speakers at the sessions include asset managers, financial advisers and estate planning experts, Berry said.

The cost to attend the summit is $50, which includes breakfast and lunch. Registration is available at communityfoundationhsv.org by calling 256-535-2065. Te deadline to register is Nov. 9.

Huntsville, AL… The Community Foundation of Huntsville Madison County will present its third annual Summit on Philanthropy Thursday November 15, 2012 from 8:00AM to 1:30 PM at ADTRAN’s Mark Smith Conference Center in Huntsville. The Summit is designed to raise the level of charitable giving in Madison County by educating potential donors on the benefits of strategic giving.

For 25 years, LHMC has identified proven and emerging leaders across all sectors of our community who have an interest in becoming more engaged.  LHMC then educates them in-depth about issues in major sectors of our community and how they can impact progress.  With more than 1,700 graduates of the various programs, Leadership has created sustainable leadership for Huntsville and Madison County for years to come.

This fund will help to ensure sustainability of the Leadership legacy, enabling LHMC to share this inspiring and educational experience with future generations.

Lynne Berry, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, remarked, “Leadership Huntsville | Madison County will receive several benefits from this investment with the Community Foundation.  Our management fees are very competitive and there will be educational and promotional opportunities to grow the fund.  Most importantly, a fund increases the stability of a nonprofit and strengthens the effectiveness of their strategic planning. By delegating the administrative tasks of managing endowed funds to the Community Foundation, nonprofits are free to focus more energy on fundraising, developing donor relationships, and fulfilling their mission. We congratulate Leadership Huntsville | Madison County on their business acumen and professionalism and look forward to working with them to increase this asset.”

CASA of Madison County Executive Director Ann Anderson commented, “We are very pleased to be partnering with the Community Foundation to help us secure our financial foundation so that we can continue to provide needed services to our seniors and homebound neighbors in Madison County to allow them to remain safe and independent in their own homes.”

Lynne Berry, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, remarked, “CASA of Madison County will receive several benefits from this investment with the Community Foundation.  Our management fees are very competitive and there will be educational and promotional opportunities to grow the fund.  Most importantly, a fund increases the stability of a nonprofit and strengthens the effectiveness of their strategic planning. By delegating the administrative tasks of managing endowed funds to the Community Foundation, nonprofits are free to focus more energy on fundraising, developing donor relationships, and fulfilling their mission. We congratulate CASA of Madison County on their business acumen and professionalism and look forward to working with them to increase this asset.”

The fund is named by the company and established with an initial contribution.  Employees may contribute throughout the year.  Designated individuals or a committee identify the charities that will be supported with grants from the fund.  The Community Foundation issues grants to the selected charities. The grants can be sent to any 501(c)(3) organization, church, or government in the nation and may be made in the name of the fund or anonymously.  The Community Foundation handles all administrative details including the preparation of tax acknowledgements for employees or others who contribute to the fund.

According to Jay Dryden, Senior Partner, “Dryden, Bound & Associates is dedicated to giving back to the community. We actively support local and national charities.  It is important that as we talk with clients about how they can include charitable giving in their estate planning, we demonstrate that our company recognizes the importance and the joy of giving.”

James Gilbert, Chairman of the Board of the Community Foundation, added, “The Community Foundation is excited to introduce our first Corporate Giving Fund. This is a low cost alternative for companies wanting to support charitable causes.  It can be established quickly. The Foundation handles investments, accounting, and tax returns and the staff is available to verify potential recipients, provide information, and send the grants. We are so happy to start this initiative with the caring folks from Dryden, Bound & Associates.”

The Greengate School Board of Directors has chosen the Community Foundation of Huntsville to manage the growth of an endowment fund for our school. Greengate has been fortunate to be able to save a portion of the money received from generous individual and corporate donors over the years.  It is our hope to build an endowment that will allow us to develop additional programs and to provide financial assistance to students who would not otherwise be able to attend Greengate. Affiliating with the Community Foundation provides a way for Greengate to continue to strengthen our collaboration with the community, to help communicate our mission, and to fulfill our vision of continuing to be a premier resource for dyslexia services in our region for students, families, and educators for decades to come.

Greengate School is an independent, accredited school that was founded a decade ago to provide intensive, research-based intervention for bright students with dyslexia, and in the ensuing years, has become a respected resource to the region.  Besides our day school program for grades Pre-K to 8th, we provide a summer reading camp and outreach tutors to serve a broader base of students.  Greengate hosts regular information services for the public in the region, as well as ongoing teacher training and outreach to schools.

Lynne Berry, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, remarked, “Greengate School will receive several benefits from this investment with the Community Foundation.  Funds that we manage for nonprofits are listed on our printed materials, on our website, and are mentioned in our presentations.  Our management fees are very competitive and there will be educational and promotional opportunities to grow the fund.  Most importantly, a fund increases the stability of a nonprofit and strengthens the effectiveness of their strategic planning. By delegating the administrative tasks of managing funds to the Community Foundation, nonprofits are free to focus more energy on fundraising and developing donor relationships. We congratulate Greengate School on their business acumen and professionalism and look forward to working with them to increase this asset.”

Executive Director, Tony McGinnis, shared, “Choosing the Community Foundation to manage this fund for us frees us up to accomplish our mission to provide the highest level of foster care, therapeutic care, and educational services to help the children of Alabama reach their full potential.  Our board will be able to concentrate more time and effort on fundraising and assisting the staff in working with the kids.”

Lynne Berry, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, remarked, “Harris Home for Children will receive several benefits from this investment with the Community Foundation.  Funds that we manage for nonprofits are listed on our printed materials and on our website and are mentioned in our presentations.  Most importantly, a fund increases the stability of a nonprofit and strengthens the effectiveness of their strategic planning. By delegating the administrative tasks of managing endowed funds to the Community Foundation, nonprofits are free to focus more energy on fundraising, developing donor relationships, and fulfilling their mission. We congratulate Harris Home for Children on their business acumen and professionalism and look forward to working with them to increase this asset.”

The Huntsville Network for Urban School Renewal was created to significantly improve the academic achievement of children in the most ethnically diverse and poorest schools in Huntsville.

According to Edward Jones, CEO of the organization, “We are happy to partner with the Community Foundation because effective community partnerships increase the availability and improve the quality of critical opportunities and supports for children in high-needs schools.  Through a network of partners that include The Community Foundation, institutions of higher education, high-needs school districts, and community-based groups, we seek to positively impact the academic achievement of children, particularly in mathematics and science, by informing and creating educational policy, training teachers and managing schools in urban school environments.”

Lynne Berry, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, added, “The Community Foundation is very happy to provide this service for the Huntsville Network for Urban School Renewal.   Under certain circumstances, community foundations can provide this kind of support to organizations as they pursue their non-profit status.  We wish the Huntsville Network for Urban School Renewal great success in their efforts and we are glad to be able to be of service.”

U.S. Space & Rocket Center Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Crozier commented, “We are very pleased to be partnering with the Community Foundation to further secure our financial foundation so that we can continue to be good stewards of the Space & Rocket Center’s vast collection of Space artifacts, rockets, and exhibits.”

Lynne Berry, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, remarked, “The U.S. Space & Rocket Center Foundation will receive several benefits from this investment with the Community Foundation. Funds that we manage for non-profits are listed on our printed materials and on our website and are mentioned in our presentations. Our management fees are very competitive and there will be educational and promotional opportunities to grow the fund. Most importantly, a fund increases the stability of a non-profit and strengthens the effectiveness of their strategic planning. By delegating the administrative tasks of managing endowed funds to the Community Foundation, non-profits are free to focus more energy on fundraising, developing donor relationships, and fulfilling their mission. We congratulate the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Foundation on their business acumen and professionalism and look forward to working with them to increase this asset.”

According to Community Foundation Board Chairman Dr. James Gilbert, “We are honored to be of assistance to The CornerStone Initiative in this way. We applaud their board of directors, chaired by Bruce Martin, for managing, with careful planning and financially sound stewardship, to set aside funds for a rainy day.”

The CornerStone Initiative Executive Director Derek Lane commented, “We are very pleased to be partnering with the Community Foundation to further secure our financial foundation so that we can fulfill our vision of facilitating collaborations, mobilizing resources, and building the capacity of nonprofits and agencies serving the communities of North Alabama.”

Lynne Berry, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, remarked, “The CornerStone Initiative will receive several benefits from this investment with the Community Foundation. Funds that we manage for non-profits are listed on our printed materials and on our website and are mentioned in our presentations. Our management fees are very competitive and there will be educational and promotional opportunities to grow the fund. Most importantly, a fund increases the stability of a non-profit and strengthens the effectiveness of their strategic planning. By delegating the administrative tasks of managing endowed funds to the Community Foundation, non-profits are free to focus more energy on fundraising, developing donor relationships, and fulfilling their mission. We congratulate The CornerStone Initiative on their business acumen and professionalism and look forward to working with them to increase this asset.”

The Daniel Foundation’s mission is to strengthen communities within Alabama and improve the quality of life of Alabama citizens through the support of educational programs, arts and culture, civic and community programs, and medical care and research.

“These funds from the Daniel Foundation enable us to continue the work of growing the community foundation while minimizing competition with the non-profits we serve,” said Community Foundation Board Chair James Gilbert.  “It will be a few more years before our fees cover our operating expenses. Until then, we rely on donations to cover the majority of our operating expenses,” Gilbert said. “The Daniel Foundation has made a wonderful investment in our sustainability. Their help will enable us to grow our community foundation so that it can be to our community what our sister community foundations in Alabama are to their communities. ”

The Community Foundation, founded in September of 2009, oversees about $7.3 million – 73 donor-advised funds and a dozen nonprofit funds. Executive Director Lynne Berry said funds overseen by the foundation need to reach $16 million in order for its management fees — 1 percent for donor-advised funds and 3/4 percent for nonprofit funds — to make it self-sufficient.  Currently board members supplement the foundation’s fees with contributions, Berry said.

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The technical services company repurchased all outstanding stock owned outside its employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), the final step in completing the conversion to 100 percent ESOP-owned status. As of Dec. 30, all shares had been sold back to the ESOP trust.

“We’re quite excited,” said Torch CEO Bill Roark, because “we’ve been working for almost 10 years to be 100 percent employee owned.”

Full employee ownership had been a goal for the company since it was founded in 2002, he said. An ESOP, an employee benefit plan that offers company stock to employees, was set up in 2004, when the company had grown to 50 employees. It now has about 250 employees, with most of them in Huntsville.

This ownership structure, Roark said, “allows us – the employees – to control our own destiny” and lets them focus on the customers’ needs without having to be concerned with potential changes in ownership. “Now, our employees are the owners,” he said.

“We’re firm believers that employee owners are more committed to customer satisfaction than typical employees who do not have a vested stake in the outcome of the company.”

The ESOP transaction also created “a unique opportunity” for some shareholders, Roark said. The company found out Dynetics employees had committed to $3.2 million in charitable giving through the Community Foundation of Huntsville/Madison County, in a Huntsville Times article last July. Forty-three Dynetics employees used contributions of their Dynetics stock for donor-advised funds. The company had become a full employee stock ownership plan company, and shares of company stock held by employees were sold back to the ESOP trust.

The foundation seeks to increase the level of giving in the community by providing ways to donate with tax benefits.

“When the ESOP transaction came about, we wanted shareholders to be aware of the opportunity to set aside a portion of their good fortune for charitable giving,” Roark said. “Enabling shareholders to partner with The Community Foundation to donate stock seemed like the perfect opportunity.” The foundation was invited to make a pitch to Torch in early December.

An undisclosed number of shareholders have committed more than $1 million in charitable giving, with $744,000 of that amount contributed to the foundation through donor-advised funds, said Scott Parker, Torch Technologies’ chief operating officer. (Torch employee volunteers also run a nonprofit organization called Torch Helps that provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that help those in need.)

Contributions to the donor-advised funds have many advantages for the donor, according to Dr. James Gilbert, the Community Foundation’s board chair. “In this case in particular, closely held stock can be used to set up a donor-advised fund with the donor realizing a tax deduction for the fair market value of the stock. The donation helps to offset 2011 tax consequences resulting from the sale of other shares of stock.

The foundation invests the donor-advised funds, and they grow over time until they’re distributed, Gilbert said. Donors may make gifts at any time to any 501(c)3, church or government entity, he said.

“This (Torch gift) takes us from $6.2 million in assets to over $7 million in assets,” said Lynne Berry, the Community Foundation’s executive director.

As a 100 percent ESOP-owned company, all Torch company stock is now held in trust by the ESOP exclusively for the benefit of participants and beneficiaries, the company said. An ESOP structure creates a market for stock held by the original owners without requiring a sale to outside interests.

© 2012 al.com. All rights reserved.

Lynne Berry, executive director of the Community Foundation, said by delegating the administrative tasks of managing endowed funds to the Community Foundation, UCP and other nonprofits are free to focus more energy on fundraising, developing donor relationships, and fulfilling their mission.

UCP provides physical, occupational and speech therapies, as well as educational and family services, to North Alabama families affected by physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“We are very pleased to be partnering with the Community Foundation to further secure our financial foundation,” UCP Executive Director Cheryl Smith said. “This partnership will strengthen UCP’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and promoting their independence and full citizenship in the community.”

Joe Alexander said during a panel discussion earlier today that he and his wife, Pam, grew up in a small Ohio community and, through their families, churches and schools, were taught the importance of “service above self.”

When the couple moved from the Washington, D.C., area to Huntsville in 1997, they found a caring community similar to the one where they grew up.

There was an “incredible outpouring” of support, he said, during his wife’s battle against breast cancer after her diagnosis in 2003.

Alexander, the president of Camber Corp., an employee-owned company acquired in 2008, and his wife gave a $100,000 donation the next year to pay for the startup costs of the Community Foundation of Huntsville/Madison County and have provided other support for the organization.

“We were convinced (the foundation) was a place we could make a difference,” said Alexander.

The foundation’s mission is to raise the level of philanthropy in the community and provide funding mechanisms for long-term community projects and causes. The foundation and other partners organized the summit, held at the Jackson Conference Center in Cummings Research Park.

Lynne Berry, the foundation’s executive director, said 225 people were registered for the second annual event.

Dynetics CEO Marc Bendickson got into the habit of charitable giving at an early age; his parents expected him to make donations with part of his allowance.

If someone has the desire and will to give, “there are plenty of opportunities out there,” said Bendickson, who, with his wife, Sheryl, have a history of philanthropic work.

When Dynetics converted to an employee stock owned plan company this year, dozens of employees donated a total of $3.2 million from the stock sales, routing it through the Community Foundation and dedicating it to their choices of charities.

Dorothy Davidson, another panelist, said she and her husband, Julian Davidson, consider philanthropic giving an investment in their community’s future.

The couple pledged $2 million for the construction of a home for the Saturn V at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the Davidson Center for Space Exploration Center, and another $2 million toward the Huntsville Museum of Art’s Davidson Center for the Arts.

“It doesn’t matter what you give, but that you give,” she said.

“Because people gave to me, I’m compelled to give back,” said Bobby Bradley, who co-founded Computer Systems Technology, which was bought by SAIC in 2003.

Bradley and her friend, Gloria Batts, started the Village of Promise, a program to provide mentoring, tutoring and other services to help ensure area children succeed.

Bradley’s parents were her role models for sharing “time, talents and treasures” with others, and she grew up in a neighborhood in which everyone was a mentor.

Later in life, Bradley had other mentors, including local entrepreneurs like Nancy Archuleta, who founded the Huntsville defense contractor Mevatec, which was acquired by BAE Systems. “They made a difference in my life,” said Bradley, who has, in turn, mentored other entrepreneurs.

Butch Damson, a longtime volunteer with the Huntsville Botanical Garden, Huntsville Beautification Board, Burritt on the Mountain and other organizations, said she was taught to give back by her father, who died when she was 21.

“I remember him telling me over and over and over: Always leave a place better than you found it.”

The first Community Philanthropy Awards were presented during the summit.

The Corporate Philanthropy Award was presented to LogiCore Corp., and the Family and Individual Philanthropy Award went to Alan and Debra Jenkins, founders of Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center. The Youth Philanthropy Award winner was Sanders Clayton, who founded the Widow’s Mite Foundation to raise money to send girls in foster care to the summer camp she had attended.

The Jane Knight Lowe Foundation received the Foundation Philanthropy Award.

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For those who want to learn more about ways to give and structure the payments, the Community Foundation of Huntsville/Madison County is holding the second annual Summit on Philanthropy at the HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology.

Thursday is the deadline for registration for the Nov. 10 event.

Community Foundation Director Lynne Berry said its focus is simple: to increase giving in Madison County.

The $30 registration fee includes materials and lunch. “If you are charitably-minded, this will give you a lot of information on how to make an impact in the community while at the same time teaching tax advantages,” she said.

HudsonAlpha board Co-chair Jim Hudson will be the keynote speaker. There will be sessions on the benefits of giving, a panel discussion from major local givers, and breakout sessions on tax benefits, giving options and how to structure giving through the Community Foundation. Participants will even get tips on how to raise a giver.

The Community Foundation offers a new way of giving charitably in North Alabama. Formed in 2009, it became the 14th such foundation in Alabama. It now has $6.3 million in donor-advised funds, ranging from $5,000 to $2 million.

It manages the assets of nine non-profit organizations with balances ranging from $30,000 to $300,000.

The organization provides a way for donors to give to the foundation and direct disbursements to favorite causes. Unrestricted contributions are also welcomed. Gifts to the foundation are tax deductible and can include real estate, stocks, bonds, mortgages, cash and insurance policies.

Community foundations differ from many other charitable organizations because of endowment expertise and a “big picture” viewpoint. The Community Foundation can be a resource for those who are planning their estates and wish to ensure that their money will live on long after they do. Even church donations can be routed through the foundation. The foundation’s board has members who are skilled in tax law and wealth management.

Giving can satisfy that basic human craving to do something for others.

In these struggling times, it’s more important than ever to do so. It could be you one day on the receiving end of someone’s benevolence.

By John Peck for the editorial board. Email: john.peck@htimes.com

© 2011 al.com. All rights reserved.

The Lowe Foundation, one of the area’s best known philanthropic organizations, will be honored for its charitable contributions to North Alabama nonprofits at the summit luncheon. It will feature keynote speaker Jim Hudson, founder of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology.

The focus of the event is to “increase giving in Madison County,” said Community Foundation Director Lynne Berry. “That is our whole purpose.”

The half-day seminar will include a motivational speech on “Why give?” by Guin Robinson, development director of Jefferson State Community College; a panel discussion, “Why I give,” featuring local philanthropists; breakout sessions; and concluding with the luncheon.

In addition to the Lowe Foundation, three other awards will be given from a slate of nominees from the community — the Youth Award, Corporate and Individual/Family.

“We asked for nominations and got them from a variety of areas,” Berry said. “It’s not just money they donate, but time, talents and efforts. We are very excited about this because it is the first time we’ve done this in the community.”

The summit will include a variety of breakout sessions such as tax benefits, estate planning and how to raise a giver in an effort to help children understand the value of philanthropy, Berry said.

HudsonAlpha, one of the summit’s presenting partners, is providing the Jackson Center at no rental cost for the event. Another partner, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, donated $2,000.

The first summit was held last year and drew 150 people, Berry said. Around 200 have already registered for the second summit.

The Community Foundation, one of 14 in Alabama, was founded two years ago with a $100,000 start-up donation from the Pam and Joe Alexander family, Berry said. It allows nonprofit organizations or individuals a safe place to put their money, stocks, property or bequests until a later date, with the advantage of an immediate tax break.

The Foundation will, in turn, write checks to future people, places or organizations as designated by the individual or nonprofits, or simply return the money to the nonprofits upon request. Monies invested by individuals into the foundation will not be returned.

The foundation charges nonprofits a .75 percent fee and individuals a 1 percent fee for handling their money and other investments, Berry said.

“This (event) is the only thing we do to raise operating funds,” she said.

“There is nothing else like it in the state, and this will help keep our doors open.”

The Summit on Philanthropy will be held Nov. 10, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at The Jackson Center, 200 Genome Way, in Huntsville. The cost is $30 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Seating is limited. For more information or to register, call 256-489-2281 or visit www.communityfoundationhsv.org.

We applaud their board of directors, chaired by Heather Carlton, for managing, with careful planning and financially sound stewardship, to set aside funds for a rainy day.”

AIDS Action Coalition Executive Director Mary Elizabeth Marr commented, “We are very pleased to be partnering with the Community Foundation to help us secure our financial foundation so that we can continue to grow and offer our services to people living with HIV/AIDS living in North Alabama.  The AIDS Action Coalition is committed to stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS while caring for people and families living with the virus”.

Lynne Berry, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, remarked, “The AIDS Action Coalition will receive several benefits from this investment with the Community Foundation.  Funds that we manage for non-profits are listed on our printed materials and on our website and are mentioned in our presentations.  Our management fees are very competitive and there will be educational and promotional opportunities to grow the fund.  Most importantly, a fund increases the stability of a non-profit and strengthens the effectiveness of their strategic planning. By delegating the administrative tasks of managing endowed funds to the Community Foundation, non-profits are free to focus more energy on fundraising, developing donor relationships, and fulfilling their mission. We congratulate the AIDS Action Coalition on their business acumen and professionalism and look forward to working with them to increase this asset.”

The Rise School of Huntsville was created predominately to serve young children with disabilities, but also includes children who do not have disabilities.  The Rise Model is a unique blend of early childhood education, child development, early childhood special education, and integrated therapy.  The goal is to optimally prepare children for their next educational environment and support families.

According to President Jerry Lee, “The Rise School of Huntsville will provide the community of Huntsville a specialized school which currently does not exist. As a parent of a child with special needs, we were forced to look outside our community to provide the right school for our son. After learning about the Rise school at the University of Alabama we knew we had to replicate this model for our children in Huntsville and Madison County.  Our hope is that this school will not only serve as a center for academic excellence, but it will provide a platform to radically change the level of inclusion and prove that every child is born with a purpose and a potential to excel. ”

Lynne Berry, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, added, “The Community Foundation is very happy to provide this service for the Rise School of Huntsville.   Under certain circumstances, community foundations can provide this kind of support to organizations as they pursue their non-profit status.  We wish the Rise School of Huntsville great success in their efforts  and we are glad to be able to be of service.”

ALS Association Alabama Chapter Executive Director Nancy Colin commented, “We are very pleased to be partnering with The Community Foundation to help us secure our financial foundation so that we can continue to grow and offer our services to people suffering from Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS), both here in Madison County, and across the entire State of Alabama.  ALS is a fatal, progressive neuro-muscular disease with no cure.  It can strike anyone at any time, and our veterans are almost twice as likely to get ALS as non-veterans.  Therefore, our many services, which are provided at no cost to our patients, are so critical to help these families cope with the devastating diagnosis of ALS.  Our Chapter has also created the first multi-disciplinary ALS Clinic in the state, located here in Huntsville at Crestwood Medical Center serving ALS patients from a large region.”

Lynne Berry, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, remarked, “ALS will receive several benefits from this investment with the Community Foundation.  Funds that we manage for non-profits are listed on our printed materials and on our website and are mentioned in our presentations.  Our management fees are very competitive and there will be educational and promotional opportunities to grow the fund.  Most importantly, a fund increases the stability of a non-profit and strengthens the effectiveness of their strategic planning. By delegating the administrative tasks of managing endowed funds to the Community Foundation, non-profits are free to focus more energy on fundraising, developing donor relationships, and fulfilling their mission. We congratulate ALS on their business acumen and professionalism and look forward to working with them to increase this asset.”

Phillip Otto, Artistic Director, added, “Huntsville Ballet Company and Huntsville Ballet School, both of which operate under the umbrella of Community Ballet Association are not-for-profit organizations. As we celebrate our 45^th season, we remain committed to being “A Pointe of Excellence” in North Alabama. Our students are being accepted into programs at the School of American Ballet, San Francisco Ballet School, and many more. Discover Dance, our outreach program, is now in its fourth year. A strong arts program adds to the quality of life in any city, and our goal with the school and the company is to continue to be a vibrant part of Huntsville’s culture. It is our honor to partner with the Community Foundation and look forward to a strong alliance of two great organizations for years to come.”

Lynne Berry, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, remarked, “The Community Ballet Association will receive several benefits from this investment with the Community Foundation.  Funds that we manage for non-profits are listed on our printed materials and on our website and are mentioned in our presentations.  Our management fees are very competitive and there will be educational and promotional opportunities to grow the fund.  Most importantly, a fund increases the stability of a non-profit and strengthens the effectiveness of their strategic planning. By delegating the administrative tasks of managing endowed funds to the Community Foundation, non-profits are free to focus more energy on fundraising, developing donor relationships, and fulfilling their mission. We congratulate the Community Ballet Association on their business acumen and professionalism and look forward to working with them to increase this asset.”

SSV President Will Webb commented, “We have a moral obligation to serve our Veterans in Madison County and provide them the benefits and career transition opportunities that they have earned. Here in North Alabama we are fortunate that we have a community that supports our military and their families as they transition into civilian lives.  With the establishment of this fund at the Community Foundation, we are trying to insure the long-term viability of our organization so that we can meet these stresses and demands head-on.  It is more crucial than ever that we continue to provide a comprehensive clearinghouse service for Veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much for our freedom”.

Still Serving Veterans (SSV) empowers Veterans, including wounded warriors and their families, to transition into civilian lives and receive the maximum benefits they earned.  SSV provides workforce development, career counseling, VA benefits advocacy and referral services for Veterans and their families.  Webb continued,  ”SSV is not backed by a sole benefactor; therefore, it is dependent upon the generosity of this great community.  Over the last few years, SSV services have grown beyond its traditional mission, and with an additional 15,000 Veterans returning to Alabama from Afghanistan in July, we need the community to embrace our military and their needs.  It is our honor to partner with the Community Foundation and we look forward to a strong alliance of two great organizations for years to come.”

Marydae Sneed, Executive Director, added, “The Blount House has been serving families for 31 years.  We are not backed by a sole benefactor; therefore, we are dependent upon the generosity of this great community to help keep our doors open.  Over the last few years, our services have grown beyond our traditional mission. Today, there are more out-patient treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, which require long term stay by the patient and a caregiver.  We have welcomed this growth and look forward to being able to serve more patients in the future.   It is our honor to partner with the Community Foundation and look forward to a strong alliance of two great organizations for years to come.”

Lynne Berry, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, remarked, “The Blount Hospitality House will receive several benefits from this investment with the Community Foundation.  Funds that we manage for non-profits are listed on our printed materials and on our website and are mentioned in our presentations.  Our management fees are very competitive and there will be educational and promotional opportunities to grow the fund.  Most importantly, a fund increases the stability of a non-profit and strengthens the effectiveness of their strategic planning. By delegating the administrative tasks of managing endowed funds to the Community Foundation, non-profits are free to focus more energy on fundraising, developing donor relationships, and fulfilling their mission. We congratulate the Blount Hospitality House on their business acumen and professionalism and look forward to working with them to increase this asset.”

The opportunity developed from a change in the ownership structure of Dynetics.  The company converted to a fully owned ESOP (employee stock ownership plan) Trust.  Shares of company stock held by employees were sold back to the Trust.

While the transaction is very positive for the workers at Dynetics, it can also trigger a significant tax impact.  By partnering with the Community Foundation, employees were able to use a portion of their stock to fund individual charitbale accounts called Donor Advised Funds, a process that provided them with tax benefits.

Dynetics CEO Dr. Marc Bendickson commented, “When the ESOP transaction came about, we wanted the employees to be aware of the opportunity to set aside a portion of their good fortune for charitable giving.  It was very exciting to see 43 individuals make use of this option.  All of this money will eventually be given to charity, charities chosen by the individual employees.  We do many exciting programs and projects at Dynetics, but this is an achievement that has touched our hearts.”

According to Dr. Bendickson, four core values embody the spirit of Dynetics: excellence, ethics, enjoyment and enrichment.  “This fits well with the fourth ‘E’ of our four E’s – enrichment, he said.  “One element of enrichment is strengthening the communities in which we live.  We felt this was a great time to do this.  Because of the economy, charitable donation in our community have been down.”

The concept was originally proposed by the past chair of the Community Foundation Board of Directors, Chris Russell.  Russell states, “This milestone event underscores the primary goal of the Community Foundation – to increase the overall level of giving in Huntsville and Madison County area.  We do this primarily by educating donors about the tax benefits of giving and by providing tax-advantageous avenues for giving.  Contributions to donor advised funds come with many advantages for the donor.  In this case in particular, establishing a donor advised fund can offset 2011 tax consequences.  In addtion, donor advised funds are invested by the Community Foundation, enabling them to grow so that ultimately the donors can give away an even larger amount of money.  Donors may make gifts at any time to any 501(c)3, church or government entity in the nation.”

Russell and Lynne Berry, executive director of the Foundation, provided an initial information session to Dynetics employees.  “The process was very smooth and easy,” said Dr. Bendickson.

Today, the board of directors announced the recipients of six funding awards -

Huntsville Assistance Program – $10,000 for their Emergency Response Rent and Utility Assistance Program.

Interfaith Mission Service – $18,985.73 for the Adopt-A-Family program, providing families with financial and compassionate support.

Locust Grove Baptist Church – $5,000 for long-term rebuilding efforts in partnership with the Harvest Youth Club, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and area churches.

Madison County Volunteer Lawyers Program – $4,000.00 for legal assistance related to housing.

Manna House – $8,277.74 for food, personal and baby care items.

Salvation Army – $25,000 to support, strengthen and expand Salvation Army’s Social Service/Emergency Assistance Program, providing emergency assistance such as food, clothing, comfort kits and utility assistance.

According to Committee Chair Elizabeth Fleming, “These funds reflect the care and compassion of our community.  We are pleased to award these funds at the two month anniversary of the April 27 tornadoes and wish we could have done so sooner.  Individuals and companies from throughout the nation contributed to this and other efforts in our community.  Our largest donation, $25,000, came from Nektar, a California-based company that has a location in Research Park.  We received $10,000 from local philanthropists Steve and Marilyn Plonka.  Vulcan Materials donated $5,000 and made our community’s needs known to a company on the West Coast, California Strategies, that in turn donated $5,000.  Local attorney Buck Watson and his wife Janet hosted a barbecue that raised $6,000.  Matthew Dent, President and CEO of Buffalo Rock in Birmingham, encouraged Buffalo Rock employees to donate and provided a company match.  The outpouring of support was truly heartwarming..”

Wayne Bonner, Chairman of the Von Braun Center Board of Directors, commented, “Thanks to a generous gift from the Linda and Mark Smith Family Foundation, the Concert Hall at the Von Braun Center has been transformed, with a new glass facade entrance, a center aisle, an enlarged and open lounge area, elevator access to the balcony level, and a lobby overlooking Big Spring Park.  Now, because of Linda Smith’s careful forethought, the Von Braun Center will be able to insure that the transformation retains its fresh appearance for many years to come.  Linda and the Smith family have gone above and beyond the usual parameters of a major gift by providing this additional stability and we are very grateful.”

Dr. James Gilbert, chairman of the board of directors of the Community Foundation, added, “The Smith family has set a wonderful example of philanthropy in our community.  They have moved beyond pursuing private interests by making public needs their personal concern.  They have invested in a facility that welcomes residents and visitors alike, providing entertainment for individuals and revenue for the city of Huntsville.”

“The Community Foundation is very happy to provide this service for the Von Braun Center.   Community foundations can hold funds for government entities that do not have a separate non-profit foundation. We invest those funds so that they grow over time and they are always available for the stated purpose – in this case, the continual maintenance and upkeep of the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall.  We are delighted to be associated with the Smith family in this way and to be able to support the Von Braun Center and its beautiful and functional updating of the concert hall.”

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Bobby Bradley grew up in a segregated South.

She attended an all black private school, St. Joseph’s Catholic mission, in Huntsville, until it, along with the Huntsville city school system, integrated in September 1963.

After finishing St. Joseph’s in the eighth grade, Bradley attended Council Training school for black children in Madison County her freshman year. In 1965, she transferred to Butler High School as a sophomore.

“No one spoke to us,” said Bradley who refused to let the cold-shoulder treatment define her. She became the first African-American inducted into the National Honor Society at Butler where she graduated in 1967.

She went on to graduate from Vanderbilt where she majored in math and computer science.

Bradley believes her education at all levels provided more than book knowledge and she credits her teachers and counselors with playing “a significant role” in her life.

“It gave me the foundation to make me who I am today,” said Bradley, a successful businesswoman who owned Computer Systems Technology.

Now she wants to give back.

Bradley and her friend, Gloria Batts, have started the Village of Promise (VoP) in hopes of “eradicating poverty throughout Huntsville one neighborhood at a time.”

Bradley, chair of the VoP board, hopes to address the needs of children and families in low-income neighborhoods throughout the city. The program is based on the same principles as the Harlem Children’s Zone, a network to help children break the cycle of generational poverty. It was founded by Geoffrey Canada who made the documentary, “Waiting on Superman.”

“We are just a microcosm of what Geoffrey has done,” said Bradley who is “thrilled” Canada will be in Huntsville Sept. 22 to speak at a luncheon at the Von Braun Center.

Bradley said she was “made aware” of poverty in Huntsville after becoming involved in the Lincoln Village program. For several years, many church groups have been working to change the Lincoln community physically by remodeling homes and mentally by tutoring school children in after-school programs.

The VoP has filed application papers to become a 501C3, but still waiting to receive its nonprofit status. In the meantime, the fledgling organization has joined hands with the Community Foundation which will work with the group to collect donations on its behalf.

“We believe in this organization,” said Community Foundation Executive Director Lynne Berry. “Bobby and Gloria have shown leadership to get this initiative going. They are doing great work.”

Bradley said the VoP will focus on four key areas: Education, health and welfare, housing and communities.

“Once we get a child into our system, we will follow them through college graduation,” she said.

The organization will be looking for financial help from public and private contributes, through grants and fundraisers.

To contribute to the Village of Promise, send donations, payable to the Community Foundation, to 659 Gallatin St., Huntsville, AL 35801, and earmark it Village of Promise. For more information on the Village of Promise, visit www.villagepromise.com, e-mail info@villagepromise.com, or call 256-536-8052.

According to Lynne Berry,  Foundation director, “This caring, generous donor has experienced good results from a lifetime of hard work and wishes now to experience the pleasure of sharing it with others.  We are happy to help her achieve her charitable goals.  Upon establishment of the fund, she received an immediate tax benefit.  We have invested the money in her funds on her behalf. All earnings accrue to her fund, enabling her fund to grow over time as she considers her giving options.”

“The Community Foundation’s board and staff are very grateful for the example set by this donor.  She has used sound financial planning and will be able to assist charities that are important to her.  This is our largest donor advised fund to date.  It will make a tremendous impact for good, “ stated James Gilbert, chairman of the board of directors.

For more information, contact The Community Foundation at (256) 489-2281 or info@communityfoundationhsv.org or visit the website, www.communityfoundationhsv.org.

The Village of Promise was created to address the needs of children and families in distressed, high poverty neighborhoods and to expand the success realized to other neighborhoods in Huntsville and Madison County over time.  The mission of the Village of Promise is to eradicate generational poverty one neighborhood at a time.  Their vision is that every child who stays in the pipeline will graduate from college.  The goal is to support current successful programs and implement new, high-quality projects that improve the educational outcomes for children and that transform neighborhoods.

According to Board Chair Bobby Bradley, “The Village of Promise approach is to plan and implement a model for success based on the Harlem Children’s Zone model.  The Harlem Children’s Zone is a proven success and is now being replicated by communities throughout the country.  Strategic planning is currently being conducted and a community-wide, public awareness event is scheduled for September of this year. ”

Lynne Berry, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, added, “The Community Foundation is very happy to provide this service for the Village of Promise.   Under certain circumstances, community foundations can provide this kind of support to organizations as they pursue their non-profit status.  We wish the Village of Promise great success in their efforts and we are glad to be able to be of service.”

The Community Foundation of Huntsville/Madison County works to increase giving in our community and to strengthen our community’s non-profits and churches. The Foundation has established an Emergency Response Fund to address short and long term basic needs in the wake of the recent tornados and power outages.

Gifts to the fund will be used in Huntsville/Madison County to address the basic needs of food, shelter and utility assistance.  This fund was established by a donation from former Governor Bob Riley.  Monies from the fund will be disbursed under the oversight of the Foundation’s Emergency Response Committee. This committee is chaired by Elizabeth Fleming.  Other members are James Gilbert, Jeremiah Knight, Sandra Moon, and Dianne Reynolds

To be eligible for grant funding, the organization must meet the following criteria:

• Be a church or tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code
• Provide services which meet the basic needs of food, shelter and utilities.
• Provide services that do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion or sexual orientation
• Provide services within Madison County, Alabama

Grant Guidelines:

• The Foundation will award at least $10,000.  This may be done in one single grant or may be divided into two or three grants of lesser amounts.
• Deadline is May 20, 2011 at 3:30 p.m. Central
• Communication regarding funding decisions will be made the week of May 23, 2011.

Community Foundation of Huntsville Madison County Grant Application

Please complete in full as succinctly as possible.

The Committee does not want you to spend valuable time and resources filling out a lot of paperwork.

Provide the information requested below along with the attachments.

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION

Organization Name:

Organization Address:

Organization Telephone Number:

Organization Website Address:

Contact Name:

Contact Title:

Contact Telephone Number:

Contact Email Address:

Year Founded:

Tax ID Number:

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Name of Program: ______________________________

How did you hear about this grant opportunity?___________________________________

MISSION STATEMENT

Description of the organization including mission statement:

Description of the program for which organization is seeking funding:

OBJECTIVE

Description of need, problem or opportunity to be addressed. The Committee would appreciate the inclusion of current statistics relating to the need for food, shelter, and utility assistance in Huntsville/Madison County

Statement of specific program objective(s):

Description of how the program offers a creative solution to the need, problem or opportunity:

Description of organization’s capacity to carry out the proposed program:

Description of the key anticipated outcomes of the program:

Description of measurement tools that will be used to track progress toward desired outcomes:

Description of collaboration with other non-profits, churches, or government entities.

Description of ability to leverage these funds in order to make a greater impact

PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

Number of individuals served by program: ________

Indicate the percentage of program participants in the following groups:____% African American ____% Asian

____% Caucasian ___% Latino American ____% Native American ____% Pacific

Islander ____% Other (please specify)__________

Describe the application process and how participants are selected for the program:

FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT

Total organization budget: ___________________

Total project budget: ________________

Percentage of organization budget devoted to fundraising and general operating expenses: ________

TIMELINE

Timeline for implementation of the program:

GEOGRAPHY

Description of the geographical areas where the program operates:

Please submit the following attachments:

• A copy of the organization’s annual budget for the most recent fiscal year
• A copy of the program budget that the Community Foundation would support
• The most recent audited financial statements or equivalent Treasurer’s report
• Verification of 501(c ) (3) tax exempt status
• Current list of Board of Directors

CONTACT INFORMATION

Deliver or mail materials to:

The Community Foundation of Huntsville/Madison County

659 Gallatin Street

Huntsville, Alabama 35801

Applications may also be sent via email to commfoundhmc@gmail.com

____

Direct all application questions to Lynne Berry, Executive Director, Community Foundation of Huntsville/Madison County, (256) 489-2281.

Go to the Click Here to Donate Now Using PayPal button at www.communityfoundationhsv.org to make a secure on-line gift or mail your donation to The Community Foundation of Huntsville/Madison County at 659 Gallatin Street, Huntsville, Alabama 35801.  Contact Lynne Berry at 256-489-2281 (office) or 256-479-1010 (cell) for more information.

Until further notice, all donations will go into the Emergency Response Fund for Huntsville/Madison County. Monies from the fund will be disbursed under the oversight of the Foundation’s Emergency Response Committee. This committee is chaired by Elizabeth Fleming.  Other members are James Gilbert, Jeremiah Knight, Sandra Moon, and Dianne Reynolds.  Non-profits and churches will be able to apply for these funds later this month.  The committee will consider the number of people served, collaboration with other non-profits or churches, and the ability to leverage these funds to make a greater impact.

Because of their comprehensive mission, knowledge of local needs, and experience in working with non-profit organizations and churches, a network of community foundations throughout the state have banded together to establish the Alabama Tornado Recovery Fund.  The Community Foundation of Huntsville/Madison County can provide more information on that fund.

Board President Jay Town commented, “Our clubs and, in fact, all non-profits are facing increasing stresses and unprecedented demands.  Here in North Alabama we are fortunate that we have far-sighted leadership that has made a commitment to the stability of this organization. With the establishment of this fund at the Community Foundation, we are endeavoring  to insure the long-term viability of our organization so that we can meet these stresses and demands head-on.  It is more crucial than ever that we continue to provide, for a growing number of boys and girls, a fun, safe and constructive environment when they are not at home or school and programs and services designed to build character and strengthen life skills.”

Patrick Wynn, Executive Director, added, “Our mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.   Boys & Girls Clubs are open to all youth ages 5-18 and have a special focus on children and teens from challenging or disadvantaged circumstances.  We work hard to keep dues low and do not turn anyone away because of an inability to pay. This fund will be well and efficiently managed, freeing our board members from that responsibility so that they may concentrate more time and effort on fundraising and assisting the staff in working with the kids.”

Lynne Berry, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, remarked, “Crisis Services will receive several benefits from this investment with the Community Foundation.  Funds that we manage for non-profits are listed on our printed materials, on our website, and are mentioned in our presentations.  Our management fees are very competitive and there will be educational and promotional opportunities to grow the fund.  Most importantly, a fund increases the stability of a non-profit and strengthens the effectiveness of their strategic planning. By delegating the administrative tasks of managing endowed funds to the Community Foundation, non-profits are free to focus more energy on fundraising and developing donor relationships. We congratulate Crisis Services on their business acumen and professionalism and look forward to working with them to increase this asset.”

While speaking to groups across Alabama about what needs to be fixed in order for this wonderful state to realize its potential, I have become convinced of three things: Alabamians don’t much like change; our historic statewide leadership patterns are badly flawed; and we need new forms of local leadership.

Waiting for the old top down political leadership to solve our problems is futile. If that were it going to happen, it would have occurred long ago. Solutions to the big problems — taxes, education and constitutional reform — will probably be solved the way they usually are in Alabama, through intervention by federal courts.

Meanwhile, certain areas of the state thrive while others shrivel and wilt. The difference-maker will be local vision and leadership.

Ordinary citizens are mobilizing across ideological, racial and political lines to solve elemental community problems: school reform; environmental degradation; poverty; and a host of others.

One of the most exciting local initiatives is the birth of community foundations. A few such non-profits — in Birmingham, Mobile and Montgomery — have been around for a long time and are reasonably well funded. Most are fledglings, barely able to stand and take a few steps.

The Community Foundation of Huntsville/Madison County and the Community Foundation of East Alabama are two of the newest, each birthed in the past year. Both tapped respected, committed local citizens in order to reach out to philanthropic individuals, businesses, and organizations.

Board members, local citizens and donors decide the priorities of these foundations. Although I am most interested in how we can eradicate poverty, others are interested in long-range envisioning and planning so we can deal more effectively with the globalization of the economy, education and infrastructure.

Still others prefer to focus on strengthening cultural institutions (national surveys of why high-tech companies locate in a community list excellent public schools, solid research universities, museums, as well as vibrant art, music, and theater programs, as high priorities in their decisions).

In a stagnant economy, we can not count on federal, state and local governments to fund such initiatives alone. Communities will increasingly rely on the philanthropy of people who understand the Biblical admonition that to whom much is given, much will also be required.

Those who earned wealth by creative enterprise in communities are now returning a portion of that wealth through charitable community foundations.

One thing is certain. Whether we like it or not, change is coming. Presently 54 percent of Alabama public school children come from poor families.

By 2017 at the current rate, Alabama public schools will be majority minority in racial composition. Nationwide, 43 percent of children under age 20 and 47 percent of those under 5 are minority. Before mid century, America’s schools will be majority minority as well.

Change, in fact, has already arrived in East Alabama where I live in the form of our growing population of friends, neighbors, and workers from Korea, Mexico, China, India and a hundred other countries.

The same phenomenon is well advanced in Madison County.

The question, then, is how do we react to change.

Supporting the new community foundations that are addressing these issues is one answer to that question.

Wayne Flynt is a Distinguished University Professor Emeritus at Auburn University

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