Annual Dinner 2010

Please join us at the Port Huron Acheson Fireworks for our 2010 Annual Dinner as we celebrate the people who are improving our quality of life in St. Clair County.

Community Foundation Annual Dinner 2010

Saturday, June 26 from 6-11pm

Seaway Terminal
2336 Military Street, Port Huron, MI 48060 (map)

Beach/Boating casual dress

Check out the June 26th schedule of festivities »

Downloads

In order to cut down on paper and postage costs we’re uploading many of our documents specifically for board members to access.

To save a file to your computer, right-click and select “Save as”.

Downloads

In order to cut down on our paper and postage costs we’re uploading many of our documents here specifically for board members to access.

To save a file to your computer, right-click and select “Save as”.

Match Day 2010

The Community Foundation is dedicated to transforming our communities and the lives of our residents by collaborating to tackle big challenges facing our region.

This year, we will once again bring together the "doers" from St. Clair County - our residents, other non-profits, volunteers, business and government - to raise money for organizations providing emergency services in our community such as food, shelter, medical care and clothing.

The demand for these services is growing and so is our dedication to responding to community needs. This year, the Community Foundation has dedicated $75,000 in matching funds to help promote the critical work of the non-profit organizations in our area.

On June 2nd from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm anyone can visit this page or come to one of the Community Foundation offices to make a donation to a participating organization. The Community Foundation will match 50% of all donations between $20 and $1,000 while funds last.

Additionally, we are awarding a $1,000 prize to the organization with the highest number of donors on Match Day!

Match Day donations are now closed. A big thanks to everyone that donated - Match Day was a huge success! Funds will be distributed at the Community Foundation Annual Dinner on June 26, 2010.

Just because Match Day donations are closed doesn't mean you can't donate. Visit our Ways to Give page for all the ways that you can improve the quality of life right here in St. Clair County.

Participating Match Day organizations include:

Organization Name	Services Provided	Location	Service Area
Blue Water Community Food Depot	Food Assistance	Port Huron	St. Clair County
Council on Aging	Nutrition program for low-income seniors	Port Huron	St. Clair County
Downriver Community Services	Food	Algonac	St. Clair County
Down River Helping Hands Inc.	Food	Marine City	St. Clair County
Friday Food for Kids	Weekend food for at-risk elementary children	Pilot - Belle River	TBD
Kids In Distress Services	Clothing for children	St. Clair	St. Clair County
Mid City Nutrition Program	Food	Port Huron	St. Clair County
People's Clinic for Better Health	Health care clinic for uninsured	Port Huron	St. Clair County
Safe Horizons	Emergency shelter & supportive services to victims of domestic violence/sexual assault and the homeless	Port Huron	St. Clair County
Salvation Army	Food pantry	Port Huron	St. Clair County
St. Clair County Health Department	Teen health clinic	Port Huron High	St. Clair County
St. Vincent DePaul/Ecumenical Food Pantry	Food pantry	St. Clair	St. Clair Area
The Harbor/Wings/Cypress Place Street	Emergency shelter & supportive services to homeless and high-risk youth	Port Huron	St. Clair County
Trinity United Methodist Church Food Pantry	Food	Algonac	Algonac/Ira/Clay
United Way of St. Clair County	Dental fund	Port Huron	St. Clair County
Visiting Nurse Association & Blue Water Hospice	Medical care for uninsured	Port Huron	St. Clair County

Annual Dinner 2009

Celebrate the people of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County and join us at our annual dinner held at Fore Lakes Golf Club. You don't want to miss this event!

At this year's event the Community Foundation of St. Clair County will be honoring Jim Acheson with a lifetime achievement award for his dedication to philanthropy. We'll also be announcing the results of Match Day. Learn more about the event »

Community Foundation Annual Dinner 2009

Thursday, June 11 at 6pm

Fore Lakes Golf Club
5810 Flinchbaugh Rd., Kimball, MI 48074 (map)

TICKETS FOR ANNUAL DINNER 2009 ARE SOLD OUT!

Charter Members of the Legacy Society

Those who became members before the end of 2008 were designated as Charter Members and will be recognized as such in perpetuity.

Planning Your Legacy

What good work can I do?

You can support the arts, enrich education, promote community development, foster a stronger community… tell us what is important to you.

When should I include the gift in my estate plan?

Any time you are drafting or changing your will or estate plan, you will want to consider charitable gifts. Your financial or legal advisor can provide guidance related to your personal estate, beneficiaries, income goals, taxes, and other considerations. In addition, you may find it simpler to designate the Community Foundation as a beneficiary to your 401 (k), IRA or life insurance policy. When you notify us of your intentions, you automatically become a member of the Legacy Society.

Must I give a large portion of my estate to join the Legacy Society?

No. We value and appreciate all gifts, and believe the best gift is the one that’s right for the donor. To be recognized as a Legacy Society member you only need to indicate that you have included the Community Foundation as part of your estate plan.

How do I plan a legacy gift?

Call your estate advisors, talk to us, or consult with both. We provide confidential philanthropic services to prospective donors and their advisors, without pressure or obligation. Making a legacy gift is easy:

• Make a beneficiary designation or include the Community Foundation in your estate plan.
• Notify us of your intentions so we can invite you to be a member of our Legacy Society.
• Upon your death we carry out your charitable intentions and handle all administrative tasks.

Why do people give to charity through their estate plans?

Planning an estate gift allows you to strategically accomplish both financial and charitable objectives. For some people, a large charitable gift during their lifetime can be financially uncomfortablesince
they may be uncertain about their health, wealth, and personal commitments. An estate gift may make more sense. You can still fulfill your personal goals of preserving your family name, honoring loved ones, providing for heirs, minimizing tax burdens and supporting the community you call home.

What assets should I give?

Your professional advisor can recommend your most tax-advantaged assets any time you make a charitable gift. Most people choose to give stocks, real estate and other highly appreciated assets during their lifetime and designate 401 (k), IRA, and other retirement assets upon their death.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Lynn Borg at (810) 984-4761 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Legacy Society

Plant a seed that will grow for generations to come.

The Community Foundation of St. Clair County established the Legacy Society in January of 2008.  The Legacy Society recognizes and honors those donors who have made plans through their estate to give back to the community through the Community Foundation. We are grateful for their foresight, dedication, and philanthropic spirit.

Charter Members of the Legacy Society recognized the importance of making a future gift through the Foundation, and with their leadership they encouraged others to do so as well.  Their planning today will benefit our community for generations to come.

Those who become members before the end of 2008 will be designated as Charter Members and will be recognized as such in perpetuity.

More than great wealth, philanthropy requires a generosity of spirit and the desire to improve the quality of life for others.  Through the Legacy Society the names and spirit of our supporters will be forever honored.

Joining the Legacy Society can be as simple as informing the Community Foundation of your intention to make an estate gift. Download and return the Letter of Intent or contact Lynn Borg at 810-984-4761 / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information.

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Wireless Voting System

The handheld wireless voting system is available for groups using the CRC. The system includes 30 hand-held voting devices. Voting can be completely anonymous and the results are tallied immediately.

For more information and to use the system, contact Lindsay Redlawsk at (810)989-2160 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

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Back to School Drop-off Locations & Requested Supplies

Donating requested school supplies at participating locations during the month of July is one way that you can contribute to Back to School 2010. Participating locations and requested supplies are listed below.

Community Foundation Offices

• Port Huron - 516 McMorran Blvd. Port Huron., MI 48060 - (810) 984-4761 (view map)
• Algonac - 900 Pointe Tremble Rd. Algonac, MI 48001 (view map)

Fort Gratiot Curves

• 3031 Commerce Dr. Suite A - Fort Gratiot, MI 48059 - (810) 385-9171 (view map)

Wonderful News Radio Station

• 2865 Maywood Dr. Port Huron, MI 48060 - (810) 985-3260 (view map)

Blue Water YMCA

• 1525 Third St. Port Huron, MI 48060 (view map)

Requested School Supplies

• 24 pack of Crayons
• 12 Pack Colored Pencils
• 8 Pack Washable Markers
• 12 Pack #2 Black Pencils
• 12 Pack Blue or Black Pens
• Line Paper - Wide Ruled and College Ruled
• Box of tissue

Back to School 2010

Back to School 2010 is a community sponsored event, organized by the Community Foundation's Women's Initiative, to help kids from low income families in St. Clair County have a successful start to school.

Who is eligible?

• Back to School 2010 is intended for low income residents of St. Clair County
• Proof of St. Clair County residency is required
• Children must be present to receive supplies - no exceptions

What will be provided?

• Backpacks filled with school supplies for elementary and middle school kids
• Pre-School packets containing a reading book, coloring book and crayons
• Mobile Food Pantry Truck on site
• Quantity is limited and will be distributed on a first come first serve basis

How Can You Help?

Making a donation to help purchase supplies. We buy in large quantities and work with local businesses to maximize your donation.

Other ways you can help:

• Donating requested school supplies at Community Foundation offices in Port Huron & Algonac, Fort Gratiot Curves, WNFR Radio Station, and the YMCA during the month of July. View participating locations and requested supplies »
• Donating new and gently used school clothing at the Salvation Army Thrift Store located at 729 Howard Street in Port Huron (view map)

Make a Donation by Check

Make checks payable to Community Foundation of St. Clair County with Back to School in the memo line and mail to*:

Community Foundation of St. Clair County

Community Foundation of St. Clair County

516 McMorran Blvd.
Port Huron, MI 48060

Phone: (810) 984-4761
Fax: (810) 984-3394

• Download donation form

*You may also drop off your donation at the address listed above.

Search Results

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Legal Notice

The Community Foundation of St. Clair County is not engaged in rendering legal or tax advisory service. The purpose of this website is to provide accurate and authoritative information of a general nature.

Copyright Statement

Site Copyright © 2002-2010 Community Foundation of St. Clair County.

All RIghts Reserved.

Some of the icons used on this site are from the wonderful Silk icon set by FamFamFam.

Charitable Lead Trust

Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs) are designed to provide income to your favorite charities for a fixed term of years, the lives of one or more individuals, or a combination of the two; after which, trust assets are paid either back to the donor or to one or more noncharitable beneficiaries named in the trust instrument (spouse, children, etc.).

Also referred to as a “Charitable Income Trust,” the term “Charitable Lead Trust” is used more commonly because the payment of the income interest to charity leads or precedes the payment of the remainder interest.

This type of gift vehicle essentially allows you to support for favorite charity for a few years, and then provide financial support with tax benefits to a family member or relative - all with the same gift.

Charitable Remainder Trust

Questions for Professional Advisors

Note: If you are not a professional advisor these questions may still be helpeful in determining if a Charitable Remainder Trust is right for you.

• Do your clients need current income to support their lifestyles?
• Do your clients have children or grandchildren that need help paying for college?
• Would they like to also provide immediate support to your favorite charity?

If you answered yes to these questions then you may want to consider a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT).

A CRT is a trust that provides for a specified distribution, at least annually, to one or more beneficiaries (you, your spouse, children, etc.) at least one of which is not a charity. The distribution must be paid at least annually for life or for a term of years, with an irrevocable remainder interest to be held for the benefit of, or paid over to, one or more qualified charities.

The specified distribution must be either a sum certain, which is not less than five percent and not more than fifty percent of the initial net fair market value of all property placed in trust (a charitable remainder annuity trust), or a fixed percentage, which is not less than five percent and not more than fifty percent, of the net fair market value of the trust assets, valued annually (a charitable remainder unitrust).

After your death, the remainder of the trust transfers to the Community Foundation and is placed in a charitable fund you select. You receive Michigan Community Foundation Tax Credit for the year you establish your trust.

Charitable Gift Annuity

Questions for Professional Advisors

Note: If you are not a professional advisor these questions may still be helpeful in determining if a Charitable Gift Annuity is right for you.

• Do your clients have an appreciated asset subject to the Capital Gains Tax?
• Do they need current income to support their lifestyle or pay medical bills?
• Do you have clients with a long-term interest in “giving something back to the community?”

If you answered yes to these questions then you may want to consider a Charitable Gift Annuity.

You can transfer cash or property to the Community Foundation now, get immediate tax benefits, and ensure that you or a loved one receive fixed quarterly or annual payments for life. This option is a great solution for many older charitable individuals.

Unlike a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) a Charitable Gift Annuity is a contract between the donor and the Foundation.

Based on the size of the gift, and the age of the donor(s) the Foundation pays a fixed annual sum to the donors for the rest of their lives - guaranteed!

A Charitable Gift Annuity is not like other annuities. There are potentially substantial benefits for donors. To learn more, or get an exact calculation of the benefits for your clients, visit the website for the American Council of Gift Annuities: www.acga-web.org.

Giving Options

Outright Gifts

You can transfer cash, stocks, bonds, real estate, or personal property to your Community Foundation. Your gift qualifies for maximum charitable benefit under state and federal law.

Read further about the advantages of gifting appreciated stock:

• Gifting Appreciated Stock

Bequest

You can designate a gift or portion of your estate to your Community Foundation, and in some cases receive a substantial reduction in federal gift and estate taxes.

Download suggested language to use in a will or trust:

• Sample Language for Wills & Trusts

Charitable Gift Annuity

You can transfer cash or property to your Community Foundation now, get immediate tax benefits, and ensure that you or a loved one receive fixed quarterly or annual payments for life. This option is a great solution for many older charitable individuals. Read more »

Charitable Remainder Trust

You can place cash or property in a trust that pays annual income to you or another named beneficiary for life. After your death, the remainder of the trust transfers to your Community Foundation, and is placed in a charitable fund you select. You receive Michigan Community Foundation Tax Credit for the year you establish your trust. Read more »

Charitable Lead Trust

You can place cash or property in a trust that pays a fixed amount to your Community Foundation for the number of years you select. Once this period ends, the assets held by the trust are transferred to the beneficiaries you name. In some cases, you receive a substantial reduction in federal gift and estate taxes. This can be described as the opposite of a charitable remainder trust. Upon death or the amount of years selected, the assets held by the trust are transferred to the beneficiaries named (usually children or grandchildren). Read more »

Beneficiary Designations

You may also wish to consider naming the Community Foundation of St. Clair County as the beneficiary of your IRA or life insurance policy.

Women’s Initiative Shirts For Sale

Women's Initiative logo polo shirts are now available for purchase! The shirts are from Lands End and cost $35 for a regular and $40 for a Women's. Size, details and a description from the Lands End website are below.

If you would like to purchase a shirt please make out your check payable to the Community Foundation of SCC with WI Shirt and the size on the memo line and mail it to the Community Foundation. This is not a charitable deduction; the price only covers the cost of the shirt, embroidery and shipping.

The shirts are white with the Women's Initiative logo in green.

Price and Sizes:

• $35 - Regular: S 6-8, M 10-12, L 14-16, XL 18-20
• $40 - Women's: 1X 16W-18W, 2X 20W-22W, 3X 24W-26W

Note: The shirts are fitted and tend to run small, you may want to consider ordering a size larger than usual. Samples are at the Foundation office if you would like to see them or try one on before you order.

Description from Lands End website:

Women's Regular Natural Fit Short Sleeve Pima Polo. Our most elegant polo just became our hardest worker. In this one shirt centuries converge. Old-world cotton, picked by hand in the fields of Peru, is knit in state-of-the-art mills to produce a gloriously soft interlock fabric that now resists fading, shrinking, wrinkling, pills and spills. It's the "fab five" Pima Polo! Imagine your staffers in a polo that stays neat all day and keeps your logo (and your brand) looking good. Detail-wise, you'll find yet more good, old-fashioned quality details: covered neck seams, reinforced shoulder seams, straight-bottom hem and side vents. Natural Fit with trimmer collar, shaped side seams and a straight hem that falls at hip length. 100% pima cotton. Machine wash. Imported.

Call or email Susan Ellerkamp if you have questions: (810) 984-4761 | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Priority Areas: Arts & Culture

The Community Foundation will continue to support the development of arts and culture throughout the Blue Water Region. Over the course of the next three years the Foundation will work with other organizations and partners to explore:

• The continuing strengthening and strategic planning efforts of the Port Huron Museum.
• The continuing strengthening of Studio 1219 towards independence.
• Regional collaboration among existing arts related organizations and facilities, including the McMorran Auditorium and Theater.
• The creation of an Arts Council.
• Significantly increased endowed funds dedicated to arts and culture.
• Arts & Cultural awareness programs and projects.
• Visiting artists programs which bring well known and respected artists of all types to St. Clair County.
• A greater exposure for our children and underserved population to arts and cultural programs, projects and activities.

Priority Areas: Education

The Community Foundation believes that a more highly educated population, combined with a higher percentage of students seeking out some form of college degree, will help lead to an economically healthier and sustainable community.

Under the broad area of education, the Foundation will use its available resources in support of:

• Pipeline Initiatives: Programs and projects which seek to increase the number of middle and high school students who desire to continue on after high school to pursue a college education. Also, those programs and projects that seek to increase the science, math, engineering and technological skills of students at the elementary, middle and high school levels.
• Outreach & Mentoring: Programs and projects which target at-risk students (and their families) who may otherwise not continue on with their education, especially those students with little or no history of college education in their family's history.
• District Endowments: Continuing the Foundation's efforts to help individual school districts and their residents invest in the future of local education through permanently endowed funds.
• College Tuition Assistance: The Foundation will support the exploration of opportunities to provide significant tuition assistance to all graduating high school seniors.
• St. Clair County Community College: Beginning in 2007 the Community Foundation will look for opportunities to support the strategic growth and development of SC4, not only as a leading education institution, but also as a major economic force within the county.

Priority Areas: Community & Downtown Development

Under this broad heading, the Community Foundation will seek to help our donors and partners create strong, healthy and vibrant communities in St. Clair County. The lessons learned from recent initiatives such as the Community Renaissance Program may be applicable to new initiatives in this area.

The Community Foundation will not replicate the work of existing organizations such as the EDA or local DDA's that already address a variety of economic development issues. Rather, we will seek closer working relationships with those organizations so that we may explore how our resources might be applied to fill program or service gaps. Our goal will be to compliment and support the work of these other organizations - not compete with them.

Beginning in January of 2007, the Community Foundation will seek out the input of our key donors and partners to explore our specific involvement in one or more of the following areas:

• Job Creation
• Downtown Redevelopment – in Port Huron, St. Clair, Marine City and Algonac through grants from our discretionary income to local economic development entities or downtown development authorities.
• Small Business Support – in the form of financial incentives such as recoverable grants or low risk loans, (Small Business Renaissance Program), as well as through organizational support, capacity building, mentoring and related assistance.
• Housing & Neighborhoods – As with the Community Renaissance Program and Oak Crest Homes, the Foundation will continue its efforts to build strong, healthy and viable neighborhoods with high quality affordable single-family housing. In the next several years efforts in this area may also address student housing at SC4.
• A Viable "Economic Plan" - A plan that provides the greatest potential impact for the entire county. On a smaller scale, an economic plan for an individual community, such as Marine City or Algonac, might consist of recreational or tourism based programs or facilities. In such cases the Foundation will consider funding such initiatives under our Community and Economic Development Initiative.
• Nonprofit Capacity - The Community Foundation believes that a strong and sustainable nonprofit sector is a critical element of a healthy community. We will continue our efforts at improving nonprofit capacity through the initiatives of the Community Resource Center and collaborative efforts that strengthen key nonprofit organizations.

The Foundation recognizes that it will likely be our role as neutral facilitator, convener and collaborator that has a greater impact than our limited financial resources.

Priority Areas (2010-2012)

Mission

The Community Foundation of St. Clair County improves the quality of life in St. Clair County by meeting the broad philanthropic goals of our donors through the creation and administration of permanently endowed funds.

These endowed funds - restricted, unrestricted, advised and field of interest, allow the Foundation to support a broad variety of Community Development programs and projects.

Vision Statement

We enhance the spirit of philanthropy within our community and identify opportunities for collaboration which help transform our community - both the people and the place - by compounding the resources of our donors and the efforts of the “doers” (people who make things happen) to make this community a better place to live, work and play.

Through the creation, management and administration of endowed funds, the Foundation supports the efforts of our donors, volunteers, friends and partners to work for the common good of the residents of St. Clair County.

Our goal is to help transform our communities and the lives of our residents by collaborating to tackle big challenges facing our region – as well as seizing upon new opportunities to make our community a better place to live, work and play.

We bring together the “doers” from among our constituents, our residents, other nonprofits, business, government and other sectors—- the people who care about our community and know how to get things done.

We take a big-picture view of tough challenges – education, the economy, the waterfront, our unique downtown assets — so we can respond to community needs, leverage resources, and create lasting change.

Strategic Priorities 2010-2012

Beginning in 2010 the Foundation will focus its financial and organizational resources on the following areas

• Our Community (People & Place)
• The Foundation

By investing in “People” and “Place” we will pursue tactics and initiatives which will help lead to a new, healthy and vibrant regional economy—a place to “live, work and play”. Foundation initiatives funded from available discretionary assets will be required to demonstrate a commitment to improving People and Place as a means to a healthier economy.

Read/download the full report

In addition to making outright grants, the Foundation is currently engaged in the following key initiatives:

• Access to Recreation Initiative
• Acheson Community Resource Center
• Studio 1219
• Women’s Initiative
• Youth Advisory Council (YAC)

Current YAC Roster

Youth Advisory Council C.A.R.E. Award

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) will offer an annual grant to award an area teacher who incorporates community involvement and charitable action into their classroom.

Anyone can nominate a teacher who fits the criteria for this award. The teacher will then work with their school to designate how the money will be used. They can choose to benefit their school facility, classroom, students, programming or special projects.

The goal of this award is to honor a special teacher who contributes to their community by nurturing charitable giving and community spirit in their students. Students of today will be the leaders of tomorrow. As non-profit organizations will continually fill the gap for much needed human services, current youths must recognize their role of charitable giving and volunteerism as a crucial resource to economic stability for their future society.

C.A.R.E.: Community Awareness Reflected in Education

Nominations for 2010 are now being accepted.

• C.A.R.E. Nomination Form

2010 Nominations will be accepted through March 10th, 2010.

YAC C.A.R.E. Award Winners

Year	Teacher	Grade	School
2009	Dana Wilson	4th Grade Teacher	Pine RIver Elementary
2008	Robyn Etz	Preschool-Kindergarten Teacher	Montessori Children's Academy
2007	Kevin Muneio	8th Grade Teacher	St. Mary's St. Clair

Runners-up

Year	Teacher	Grade	School
2009	William Westerhof	5th Grade Teacher	Belle RIver Elementary
2008	Mary Sokacz	6th grade Teacher	Capac Middle School

Board Approved Committees

* Chair
** Vice Chair
*** Ex-Officer or Staff Liason

Establishing a Fund

You can help to improve the quality of life in St. Clair County by establishing your own endowed fund today. Anyone can make a real and lasting difference in the daily life of our community simply by starting a new fund or adding to an existing fund in the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. Almost anything of value can be considered as a contribution to the Foundation, and unlike establishing a private trust, there is no cost associated with creating a fund.

What is an endowed fund?

Almost all of the funds at the Community Foundation are endowed. This means that the principal amount of the fund (usually the gifts received from the donor) is generally considered restricted and is intended to last forever.

Grants are made from available earnings and/or appreciation based on investment returns and the Foundation's Spending Policy (see About section for a list of our policies). Grants are generally not made by dipping into the general principal of the fund, except in unusual or extraordinary circumstances as determined by the Foundation, or unless the donor gives explicit permission to do so.

How do you start an endowed fund?

A gift may be made or a fund established with a minimum of legal complexity, report making, and other entanglements. They can be established in your name, or in the name of your family, your organization, or anyone you wish to honor. To become a donor, you can transfer your gift of stocks, bonds, real estate, cash or other assets to the Foundation with a letter stating the nature and intent of the contribution. Pledges of up to five years may also be used to create a fund.

The Community Foundation is an extremely flexible charitable planning vehicle. As a public charity, we are committed to building community capital. Endowed gifts to the Foundation will continue to improve the quality of life in St. Clair County forever.

Deferred Giving Options such as charitable remainder trusts, unitrusts or annuity trusts, or life insurance policies may be established to benefit the Foundation. Gifts may also be made through bequests in wills. As in any significant financial decision, you should review your plans with your attorney or tax advisor.

Types of funds

Unrestricted Funds

Allows a donor to have the greatest possible impact by giving the Foundation flexibility in responding to ever-changing community needs. These are the most highly recommended funds. The annual Administrative Fee for these funds is 1.5%.

Operating Funds

Allows donors to help the Foundation continue its efforts to improve the quality of life in St. Clair County. These funds provide support for general Foundation operations.

Fields-of-Interest Funds

Allows a donor to select a particular area of emphasis, such as education, seniors, health, recreation, etc., and then dedicates available grant dollars from that fund to address the most pressing issues within that field of interest. The annual Administrative Fee for these funds is 1.5%.

Donor Advised Funds

Allows donors to participate in the selection of grant recipients by advising the Foundation during the selection process. This is the fastest growing, and perhaps the most popular type of fund because it allows a donor and his or her family to also participate in community philanthropy. The annual Administrative Fee for these funds is 1.5%. More information »

Donor Designated or Agency Designated Funds

Provides long-term, annual support to one or more charitable organizations chosen by the donor at the time the fund was created. All available grant funds are then awarded to those selected organizations. An Agency Designated Fund may be established by any nonprofit organization looking to invest in its future. Contact the Foundation staff for details. The annual Administrative Fee for these funds is 1.0%.

Scholarship Funds

May be used to further education of graduates of a particular high school, students in a specified field of study, or those enrolled at a chosen institution. The annual Administrative Fee for these funds is 2.0%. View our scholarship funds »

Ways to Receive

There are two ways to receive money from the Community Foundation: grants and scholarships. Below you will find more information pertaining to both.

Other Available Grants

Youth Advisory Grants (YAC) Grants

The Youth Advisory Council awards grants based on their current priorities, which are: Education, College Prep, Stress Reduction, Time Management, Environment and Recreation for youth/teens in St. Clair County. The YAC also offers mini-grants to any student(s) and adult advisor/teacher of a school club, organization, or classroom in grades K-8.

More information and applications »

Blue Water Arts Council

Grant funds are made possible from the Charles and Margaret Anderson Foundation Endowment Fund held at the Community Foundation of St. Clair County (CFSCC). The Blue Water Arts Council (BWAC) is the advisory committee for the CFSCC for granting decisions to be made in regards to arts and cultural programs and projects in the local Blue Water Area. The BWAC is comprised of local art organization leaders, supporters and artists who have been chosen to be representatives of the public interest and for their knowledge of the community. Other grant funds may be made available by other agencies, corporations or other sources as the BWAC grows and evolves.

Website: www.bluewaterarts.org

Please note: If your organization receives a grant, it is required that you submit a Project Evaluation one (1) year after you receive the grant or upon completion of your project.

Ways to Give

There are many reasons why you should consider making a donation to the Foundation. Since the Community Foundation is a local organization, your donation will help to improve the quality of life right here in St. Clair County. These funds are permanently endowed so the principal will always remain intact. In addition, the Foundation has the flexibility to address emerging needs in our community.

We have various existing funds that you can contribute to or you can establish your own. For a comprehensive list of existing funds, please visit our Funds section. If you decide to establish your own fund instead of contributing to an existing one, please call us at (810) 984-4761 to arrange a meeting at your convenience. There are a variety of assets that can be transferred to the Foundation to create your fund. Gifts of real estate, stocks, bonds, and cash to name a few. We also offer our donors involvement in making grant decisions from their fund if they so choose.

Make a Donation by Check

Make checks payable to Community Foundation of St. Clair County and mail to*:

Community Foundation of St. Clair County

Community Foundation of St. Clair County

516 McMorran Blvd.
Port Huron, MI 48060

Phone: (810) 987-4761
Fax: (810) 984-3394

On the memo line please indicate the fund name that you wish to donate toward or write "greatest need" and we'll place it where we feel it can make the biggest impact at this time. If you do not know the fund name, visit our Funds section. Here you will find a complete list of available funds and a description of each.

*You may also drop off your donation at the address listed above.

Donate Online

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Youth Advisory Council (YAC)

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a group of students representing most high schools in St. Clair County. They are empowered to create a positive role model for youth as philanthropists, assess local youth needs, review grant applications and advise the Community Foundation on youth grant awards.

The Youth Advisory Council Fund was initially created in 1994 with a $1 million dollar challenge grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation through the Michigan Community Foundations Youth Project. The purpose of the Youth Project was to encourage youth development in local communities throughout the state while strengthening community foundation leadership and grantmaking capacity.

YAC Grants

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) has established a focus based on results of the 2007 school survey. Priorities for granting are based on Education, encompassing College Prep, Stress Reduction, Time Management and Environment as well as Recreation for youth/teens in St. Clair County. If you would like to seek a grant for one of these categories, please download the application below and submit it to the Foundation.

The YAC awards grants on a monthly basis October-April. The deadline for submitting grant applications is the first day of each of those months.

• YAC Grant Application

YAC Mini-Grants

Our Youth Advisory Council (YAC) offers mini-grants to any student(s) and adult advisor/teacher of a school club, organization or classroom in grades K-8. These grants are a maximum of $200 for projects or programs which will benefit elementary and middle school students in St. Clair County. The intent of this program is to introduce the concept of a Community Foundation and its work in philanthropy and community betterment. It is recommended that you read the guidelines before you complete an application. Both the guidelines and application can be downloaded below.

• YAC Mini-Grant Guidelines
• YAC Mini-Grant Application

Donor Advised Funds Overview

Donor Advised Funds are one of the fastest growing areas of charitable giving. These funds, established through the Community Foundation, allow donors and their families to participate in the research, selection, and awarding of grant dollars.

Donor Advised Funds may be established to benefit any area of charitable need in St. Clair County, with the donors assisting the Foundation in the selection process.

Donor Advised Funds operate under these general guidelines and policies:

1. A minimum fund balance of $25,000 is required before grants can be made from the fund.
2. The donors and/or an advisory committee of the donor and their family may be established at the time of the gift to make recommendations on grants from the fund.
3. Legally, all recommendations made by the donor or their advisory committee are recommendations only, with the final approval made by the Trustees of the Foundation.
4. As with all endowment funds at the Community Foundation, assets in Donor Advised Funds are owned and controlled by the Community Foundation.
5. Foundation staff and/or volunteers will conduct research on all recommendations to ensure that they are consistent with the mission of the Community Foundation.
6. Donor Advised Funds can be created at no cost to your clients, through outright gifts of cash or stock, real estate, Charitable Remainder Trusts, or Gift Annuities.

To learn more about creating a Donor Advised Fund, please contact us.

Downloads

• Sample Donor Advised Fund Agreement
• Donor Advised Fund Grant Recommendation Form

Michigan Community Foundation Tax Credit

In addition to your normal charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes, your gifts to an endowment fund at the Community Foundation also qualify for the Special 50% Michigan Community Foundation Tax Credit.

This law allows donors to reduce their Michigan Income Tax or their Single Business Tax Liability by up to 50% of their gift as follows:

• Married couples making gifts up to $400 can take a $200 Michigan tax credit the following year
• Single donors can take up to a $100 Michigan tax credit for gifts of at least $200
• Taxpayers filing a Michigan Single Business Tax return can take up to a $5,000 credit

This credit is in addition to those available for donations to Michigan colleges and universities, public libraries, public broadcasting stations and homeless programs. Your donation continues to be deductible as a charitable gift for federal income tax purposes. Talk to your CPA or financial advisor for more information.

Disclaimer: The Community Foundation of St. Clair County is not engaged in rendering legal or tax advisory service. The purpose of this website is to provide accurate and authoritative information of a general nature.

Professional Advisors

Is giving through the Community Foundation right for your clients?

As a lawyer, CPA, broker or investment advisor, you can help your clients realize their charitable objectives by listening for charitable giving opportunities, explaining options and suggesting solutions.

The Community Foundation of St. Clair County can help you meet the needs of your clients. There is NO CHARGE for our service.

Since the Foundation is structured to benefit most nonprofit organizations, you can suggest donating through the Community Foundation without appearing to favor any one particular charity.

What is an Endowed Fund?

Almost all of the funds at the Community Foundation are endowed. This means that the principal amount of the fund (usually the gifts received from the donor) is generally considered restricted and is intended to last forever.

Grants are made from available earnings and/or appreciation based on investment returns and the Foundation's Spending Policy. Grants are generally not made by dipping into the general principal of the fund, except in unusual or extraordinary circumstances as determined by the Foundation, or unless the donor gives explicit permission to do so.

Downloads

• Gifting Appreciated Stock
• Sample Agency Designated Fund Agreement
• Sample Language for Wills & Trusts
• Spending Policy
• Investment Policy

Additional policies can be found on our About page.

Disclaimer: The Community Foundation of St. Clair County is not engaged in rendering legal or tax advisory service. The purpose of this website is to provide accurate and authoritative information of a general nature.

Cost of Renting the Acheson CRC

For Profit Organizations (including professional trade associations)

• $50 for the first three hours, $20 for each additional hour
• $100 for an entire day (8 hours or more)

Nonprofit Groups with 501 Status

• Two free meetings per month
• $10 per hour for additional meetings
• $75 for the whole day

Community Groups

(Not legal stand alone entities, for example: block clubs, neighborhood groups, informal committees or clubs, CSCB)

• Free of charge

Acheson Community Resource Center

The Acheson Community Resource Center will meet the needs of nonprofit and for-profit organizations throughout St. Clair County. Opened in January of 2005 at 514 McMorran Boulevard in downtown Port Huron, the Resource center offers various amenities, including:

• Board room seating for 32
• Class room seating for training and seminars
• Two workstations featuring new Dell computers, internet access and Microsoft Office
• Wireless internet access
• Phone access
• Projector
• Wireless hand-held voting system

Created through a gift from the James C. Acheson Foundation, the Resource Center is owned and operated by the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. It will serve as a centralized and neutral meeting space for issues and program areas such as:

• Economic Development
• Nonprofit capacity and training programs
• Data collection and dissemination
• Leadership development programs
• Nonprofit alliances
• Community Forums
• Volunteerism
• Partnerships and collaboration between nonprofit and for profit organizations

To reserve the Acheson Community Resource Center for your organization, or to learn more about it, contact Lindsay Redlawsk at (810) 989-2160 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Annual Reports, Audits and Form 990s

Below you will find our recent annual reports, audited financial records and form 990s.

• 2008 Annual Report

• 2009 Form 990 - Community Foundation (Approved Extension) (279 KB)
• 2009 Form 990 - Community Renaissance Fund (Approved Extension) (279 KB)
• 2008 Form 990 - Community Foundation (6.2 MB)
• 2008 Form 990 - Community Renaissance Fund (2.2 MB)
• 2008 CFSCC Consolidated Audit Report (4.4 MB)
• 2007 Audit Report (2.25 MB)
• 2007 Form 990 - Community Foundation (5.25 MB)
• 2007 Form 990 - Community Renaissance Fund (3 MB)
• 2006 Annual Report (1 MB)
• 2006 Audit Report (1.5 MB)
• 2006 Form 990 - Community Foundation (3.5 MB)
• 2006 Form 990 - Community Renaissance Fund (2 MB)
• 2005 Audit Report (1.15 MB)
• 2005 Form 990 - Community Foundation (3.25 MB)
• 2005 Form 990 - Community Renaissance Fund (1.6 MB)

To receive a FREE hard copy of our audited financial records, annual report or Form 990s please call the Foundation offices at (810) 984-4761 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Our 2004 through 2006 independent audits were performed by Stewart, Beauvais and Whipple, PC. Prior to that, the firm of Goerlich, Richert and Kaiser, PC performed the annual audits. You may call the Foundation office to request the names of the investment managers, fees charged and body or individuals responsible for investment and oversight.

Board & Staff Roster

Board of Trustees

Executive Committee

Trustees

Terms expire at the Annual Meeting in December of the year listed.

Staff

Frequently Asked Questions

Here at the Foundation we get asked a lot of questions and rightly so. When deciding where to donate your hard earned money you want to make sure that you know as much as you can. Below you will find answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that isn't answered here, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

Donor Bill of Rights

We want you to know the Community Foundation's reason for existence is to provide a flexible and convenient vehicle for donors having a variety of charitable goals and needs and serve as a steward for individuals, families, foundations, and organizations entrusting assets to its care. Accordingly you are entitled to the following:

1. To be informed of the Foundation's mission, the way the Foundation intends to use donated resources and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.
2. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgement in its governance responsibilities.
3. To have access to the Foundation's most recent Annual Report which contains full financial and grant making information.
4. Assurance your gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.
5. To receive prompt and appropriate gift acknowledgement, recognition and "thank you".
6. Assurance that information about your donation is handled with respect and confidentiality to the extent provided by law.
7. To expect that all interactions with the Foundation will be professional in nature.
8. Receive information about the Foundation's administrative fees and spending and investment policies.
9. To have competent administration that can implement procedures to carry out board policies.
10. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, courteous, truthful, and forthright answers.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation Mission is to serve the charitable needs and enhance the quality of life by:

• Providing a flexible and convenient vehicle for donors having a variety of charitable goals and needs
• Receiving and investing contributions to build permanent endowments
• Responding to changing and emerging community needs
• Serving as a steward for individuals, families, foundations and organizations entrusting assets to its care
• Providing grants to philanthropic organizations, social services, civic concerns, education, arts and culture, recreation and youth

About Us

The Community Foundation of St. Clair County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping its donors achieve their individual charitable and philanthropic goals through the creation, management and administration of permanently endowed funds.

Much like planting a tree, by creating a fund or giving to our existing endowment funds, you are helping to plant a seed for future generations, building a source of strength for our community and creating an opportunity for growth and prosperity to be reproduced in the lives of others.

Our History

The Port Huron District Foundation was incorporated on November 8, 1944, by the following Board of Directors: Fred Riggin, E.W. Kiefer, Eugene Moak, Howard Acheson, Howard Crull, James MacTaggart, Louis Weil, Gerald Collins, Edward Moore, Francis Kiefer and William Walsh. Funds were solicited from the public at large and through money-raising activities. The purposes established by the foundation were to promote, encourage and aid the work of benevolent, charitable, hospital, scientific, literary, or educational organizations of the City of Port Huron and the vicinity. The Foundation completed a poll to determine wants and needs of the community. Thus, their initial projects were identified as: Girl Scout overnight camp cabins, land for Boy Scouts Camp, and the development of the Memorial Recreation Park. The Memorial Park project being their first priority. This project was completed in 1946 and was a great success. It was declared by National Recreation Association's, Wally Weber, "to be one of the best facilities in the midwest for high school use."

This photo was taken on November 12, 1945, at the "sod turning" ceremony for the Memorial Stadium Recreation Project. Pictured from left Robert Gibbs, who represented youth as president of Robert McVety Youth Center, Vice Admiral Frederick C. "Ted" Sherman (center), who was raised in Port Huron and whose Grandfather founded the Port Huron Times, and Fred L. Riggin, Sr. (right), then President of Mueller Brass Co. and Port Huron District Foundation.

On December 18, 1985, the Articles of Incorporation were amended to reflect the new name of the foundation as The Community Foundation of St. Clair County. The purpose of the foundation established therein was to receive and accept moneys and other properties, both real and personal, to be administered exclusively for charitable purposes, primarily in and for the benefit of the communities of St. Clair County, Michigan. Minor changes to the Articles have since been made; however the name and purpose of the foundation remain the same.

The Community Foundation of St. Clair County has grown considerably since its inception. Current assets exceed $30,000,000 in 100 endowment funds with grants in excess of $2,000,000 awarded in 2005. To handle the increased workload that is associated with this growth, the foundation staff has also grown from an Executive Director and one part time Controller to a President/CEO, a full time Controller, two Program Officers, and two part-time Office Administrators.

In addition to grant making, the Foundation owns a Youth Home, several properties within the boundaries of the Community Renaissance Program, half of Studio 1219 in partnership with the Port Huron DDA, and operates the Community Resource Center.

Additional Information

• Our Mission
• Priority Areas
• Donor Bill of Rights
• Board & Staff Roster
• Board Approved Committees
• Annual Reports, Audits & Form 990s
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Policies

• Charitible Gift Annuity Policy
• Conflict of Interest Policy
• Distinguished Service Award Policy
• Fund Raising Policy
• Grant Making Policy
• Investment Policy Statement
• Real Estate Policy
• Restated and Amended Bylaws
• Spending Policy
• Gift Acceptance Policy

Forms

• Donor Advised Grant Recommendation Form
• Nomination Form for Recognition Opportunities

PDF file - you will need the free Adobe Reader (or equivalent) to view. Download here.