annual report - Branch County Community Foundation

LIFE
Where will your
choices take you?
2010-11
A NNUAL R EPORT
Director’s Letter
Dear Supporters,
Are you ready to make the next move in the game of life?
Are you prepared to leave a legacy for your community and family?
The best time to make the move is 20 years ago, the second best time is
now.
If you’re struggling with the idea of where to leave your money, move
your game piece to the Branch County Community Foundation where
we can help you choose the next landing spot to meet your needs with
funds that come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Don’t let anyone else
spin the wheel for you; take hold of your future and choose the right
“game piece” to meet your needs through the various milestones of life.
Our mission is to serve our communities by promoting charitable giving,
building permanent endowments, and connecting community resources.
That means we plan for the future of our communities and carefully
“invest” for our people and institutions to get the best possible “return”.
Consider giving something back to your community, rather than giving
your "Uncle Sam" the largest portion of your estate.
On this journey, let us help you win the game of life by leaving a legacy
to the next generation.
Colleen Knight,
Executive Director
“...win the game of life by
leaving a legacy to the next
generation.”
2 E Chicago Street
Coldwater, MI 49036
517.278.4517 tel
888.479.8640 fax
www.BRCOFoundation.org
2
2010-11 & 2011-12
Boards
The Board of Directors
The role of the Board of Directors is to govern the organization.
Inherent in the board’s governance role are two functions:
(1) Protect the public’s interest
(2) Enable the organization to achieve its purpose
Giving time, talent,
and treasure
2011-12 Board of Directors
From left to right: Ron Rose, Roberta Gagnon, Ted Gordon, Connie Winbigler, Curt Proctor, Kim Morgan, Wayne Reese, Mary Jo Kranz, and Dave Wright.
Not pictured are Bruce Bloom, Jay Carlson, Joe Chase, Rachel Hard, Chuck Lillis, Dale Norton, and Remus Rigg.
2010-11 Board Members
Bruce Bloom (Coldwater)
Jay Carlson, Treasurer (Coldwater)
Joe Chase (Coldwater)
Paul Creal (Coldwater)
Hillary Eley (Bronson)
Ted Gordon, Secretary (Coldwater)
Rachel Hard (Quincy)
Mary Jo Kranz, President (Quincy)
Chuck Lillis (Coldwater)
Kim Morgan (Colon)
Dale Norton (Bronson)
Wayne Reese (Coldwater)
Remus Rigg (Coldwater)
Ron Rose (Litchfield)
Connie Winbigler (Coldwater)
Dave Wright, Vice-President (Coldwater)
Directors Emeritus
Bob Mayer
Patricia Shoemaker
3
Ways to Contribute
The Branch County Community Foundation is extremely flexible in the types of assets that may
be used to make a contribution to an existing fund or start a new fund. Donors may contribute
gifts during their lifetimes or through wills or trusts. Gifts may be made in memory of or in honor
of a friend or loved one.
CASH
You may add to an existing philanthropic fund or create a new philanthropic fund.
STOCKS AND BONDS
You receive a charitable tax deduction of the current value. If the securities have appreciated in
value since purchase, you pay no capital gains tax.
LIFE INSURANCE
You assign the policy and beneficiary right to the Branch County Community Foundation, Inc. It
can be a fitting memorial for a spouse who has preceded you in death. The match and charitable
tax deduction will be the lesser of the cost or cash value of the policy. If the donor continues to
pay annual premiums, these are tax deductible. The future benefit to the Foundation will be
equal to the face value of the policy.
CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUST
If you are the beneficiary of a trust which pays you regular income, you may assign a portion of
the income to the Branch County Community Foundation. You pay no further tax on the income
and may be eligible for an income tax deduction for the value of the assignment.
You establish a trust with some of your assets. You receive a charitable tax deduction for the
remainder value as determined by IRS regulations, and estate taxes will be reduced upon your
death. You and your designated family members will receive an income for life. The remainder
goes to the Branch County Community Foundation upon the death of the last beneficiary.
“It takes
everyone in a
community to
make it a better
place, no
matter how
small the
contribution or
how big the
intent.”
WILL
You may add a codicil to your will, naming the Branch County Community Foundation and describing your gift. The value of the bequest will not be subject to estate taxes. Your gift will continue your vital involvement in the future lives of residents of Branch County.
CHARITABLE LEAD TRUST
You may give your assets to the Branch County Community Foundation for a designated period.
The income is available for grants. After this period, the property in trust can be returned to you
or your estate. You pay no income or capital gains taxes during the period of control by the
Foundation of these assets.
Additional Gifting Options:
CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES
CORPORATE GIVING
GROUP MEMORIAL FUNDING
TRANSFER OF PRIVATE FOUNDATION
Please contact foundation staff to discuss which way to contribute best fits your life.
4
Grants 2010-11
Grants
Grants
Mission
We serve our communities by
promoting charitable giving,
building permanent endowments,
and connecting community resources.
2011 Grants by Fund Type
Donor Advised
$83,554.85
Designated
$29,421.43
Field of Interest
$25,652.93
Special Projects
$400.00
Scholarship
$46,645.00
Unrestricted
$11,050.00
Multiple
$33,727.42
——————————————
Total:
$230,451.63
“We offer people of all means
– no matter how great or
small their personal resources
– an opportunity to give back.
Donors can contribute to one
of over 100 funds or establish
a new charitable fund at the
Foundation.“
5
Early Childhood
Why do
Bruce and
Melinda
Bloom
give?
We chose to give the Branch County Community Foundation for a variety of
reasons. The first being, we have a deep desire to give something back to the
community, one of those areas being early education and how important early
learning is to the youngest members in our community.
We favor the early education programs because of the fact that very young
children who start out with lots of positive interaction, care, and communication progress in a nearly unstoppable fashion. Children with a secure home,
comfortable in their world with sound relationships have so much less difficulty in learning, relating to other people and making a success of their lives.
Early education programs can't replace a secure home with an involved family
for a child, but perhaps they can mitigate some of the most serious problems
and educate parents as to what children need. Recent work indicates that intelligence is less fixed by genetics than we thought. People who excel in learning
are those who believe that they can learn to solve a problem if they keep at the
process and eventually acquire the tools to solve the problem. No one wants
their child to be a failure, but some can't avoid behaviors that greatly limit their
child's opportunities. We would hope that the early education programs, like
ones that the Foundation helps fund might reduce this problem.
We also have a strong belief that local charity is very effective and beneficial.
We first heard about the Foundation from some of our friends in the agricultural community who thought it would be a good fit for me to get involved
with the Community Foundation, I agreed. Over the years I’ve seen the Foundation grow and flourish.
“...children who
start out with lots
of positive
interaction, care,
and
communication
progress in a
nearly
unstoppable fashion.”
One of the other things we like is that the Foundation is closely linked to the
community. The staff are aware of what the community needs, can react
quickly and efficiently evaluate the process to insure the effectiveness of the
monies donated. It’s easy to write a check, but it has to go to something that's
effective. Good intentions do not guarantee good results.
Throughout the years, our family has been in a good financial position due to a
lot of hard work, some good timing as well as some awesome impact of early
education in our lives. We look to the Foundation to help reduce estate taxes,
as we'd much rather our money stay local to benefit the people we know, live
with and who have helped us in accumulating our wealth. We have a desire to
see the place we live in get better, not worse, and tax credits make donating to
the Foundation very effective.
6
Contributors
Continuous
Lifetime Givers
to the
Community
Foundation
Total gifts: $262,623
Average gift: $341
Largest gift: $ 29,500
#Donors: 770
Total Assets: $5,437,144
Endowment investment return:
(2.31)%
#Funds: 130
# Board members: 16
# Directors Emeritus: 3
# Full Time staff members: 2
# Part Time staff members: 2
Evergreen (10 years +)
Paul & Kathy Bair
Dr. & Mrs. P.C. Baldwin
Deborah Balowski
Michael & Margaret Beckwith
Ray & Fran Bregger
Barry & Jo Ann Case
John & Helyn Castle
Dr. Bosco & Mrs. Lynda Chan
Steve & Mary Ann Dobson
Kathy Dunn
Patricia Earl
Brian & Hilary Eley
Jeryn Fredrick
Rick Furney
Julie Gibson
Rachel Hard
Randall & Arbutus Heller
Daniel & Marie Hemker
Michael Hoffner
Terry & Nancy Hutchins
Colleen Knight
David & Beth Rinehart
Jack E. & Iona H. Robbins
David Rumsey
Craig & Rita Sebald
Joseph & Susan Sobeske
Southern Michigan Bank & Trust
Randy Sowles
Shelby Stanley
Roberta Stemaly
Marjorie Sturtz
John & Lois Swanson
Barbara Vainner
Tonia Vorce
Phyllis L. Wagar
Duane Wagner
Bruce & Ruth Young
Seedling (5 years +)
Pete Barone
Bruce & Melinda Bloom
Douglas A. & Sharon Duchi Bloom
Sheryl A. Dart
Sharon Deemester
Dan & Judy Dobson
Kristen Dogan
Ted & Cathy Gordon
Carol Hodson
Frances I. Johnson*
James & Janet Johnson
Kathryn Love
Larry Lynn Loviska
James Marolt
Don & Joyce McCurley
Robert & Judy Moskalik
Munn-Reese, Inc.
Dale & Roberta Norton
Kenneth & Jane* Norton
Winifred Newberry
William & Gerianne Post
Theresa Price
Wayne & Christine Reese
Marion Sanderson
Patricia Klein Shoemaker
Mr. Thomas R. Swoish
Tom & Christine Tenney
Wal-Mart Foundation
Brent Withington
Seed (3 years +)
Paula AcMoody
Janean Bignell
David & Sharon Bates
Dale & Glenda Brown
Hugh Epping & Deborah Cookingham
Woodrow & Anne English
John Fayer
Dylan & Jodi Foster
Joe & Karen Ganger
Kandice Kieliszewski
Jill Knaack
Chuck & Jayne Lillis
LeeAnne Nagle
Jeff & Patti Parsons
Dick & Sandy Price
Doug & Ann Reiter
Georgann Reppert
Janice Sattler
Nancy Smith
Paul & Connie Winbigler
Convenors (Accumulated Lifetime Gifts &
Bequests)
Philanthropist ($1,000,000 +)
Max Larsen Trust* ($8,893,597)
Humanitarian ($500,000 +)
F. Harold & Lillian Creal
Visionary ($250,000 +)
Colon Community Schools
Blaque & Arlouine Knirk
Southern Michigan Bank & Trust
Designer ($100,000 +)
Lucile Burnside Estate*
Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary Club
Dan & Judy Dobson
James & Barbara Edgett
Gelma Jones Trust*
Dorothy Mannerow*
Richard & Janet Wendorf
Ambassador ($50,000 +)
Asama Coldwater Manufacturing
M. Marie Bettinger Emerson
Estate of John Broker*
Rolph Carlisle Charitable Trust*
Colon Foundation
Crotty Corporation
Elmer & Doris Houghton*
Naomi Hull Trust*
John & Marguerite Kenyon Trust*
Mary Jo Kranz
Michigan Association of Retired School
Personnel
Patricia Klein Shoemaker
Champion ($25,000 +)
Max Benjamin Charitable Unitrust*
Century Bank & Trust
Coldwater Rotary Club
Colon Banking Center – Division of Sturgis
Bank & Trust
Kiwanis Club of Colon
Klein Investments
Marcie & Mark Love
Robert & Bridget Mayer
Dr. Mary R. Moore*
Presbyterian Health Clinic of Branch
County
Gary & Lorinda Ratkowski
Remus Rigg
Emory Sechrist Scholarship Trust*
Sponsor ($10,000 +)
Alchem Aluminum
Alliance Foods, Inc.
Altrusa International of Branch County
Dr. & Mrs. P.C. Baldwin
David & Sharon Bates
Branch County Great Start Collaborative
Barry & Jo Ann Case
Gordon Bowerman Family
Branch Hillsdale St. Joseph County
Health Plan
Bronson Alumni Association
Edward* & Nancy Callahan
Coldwater American Amateur Baseball Congress Federation
Coldwater Downtown Development
Authority
Coldwater Kiwanis
Coldwater Noon Exchange Club
Corporation for Supportive Housing
County Health Plan of BranchHillsdale-St. Joseph Counties
Robert Corson Trust*
Dennis & Jennifer Dafnis
Steve & Mary Ann Dobson
Early Bird Exchange Club
First Presbyterian Church
G & W Display Fixtures
Joe & Karen Ganger
Raymond & Cindy Gentz
Gokoh Coldwater, Inc.
Wilbur & Allie Hostetler
Mildred G. Hutchins Trust*
James & Janice Koss*
Marcelyn LaBelle Knight
Livonia Tool, Inc.
Lloyd & Vera Luce Trust*
Monarch Community Bank
Dr. Charles & Susan Morton
William Oates
Raymond & Margaret* Pontoni
Quincy Community Schools
Quincy Rotary Club
Wayne & Christine Reese
Jan Rhoade
James* & Sandra Rice
Jack E. & Iona H. Robbins
Marvin M. Rosenberg
Phillip & Jeanette Sattler
William & Patricia Shoemaker
Schipper Funeral Home, Ltd.
Ted Schipper
Sintered Metal Products, Inc.
Robert* & Elizabeth Teeter
Tom & Christine Tenney
Vanguard, LLC.
Eugene & Sharon Wallace
Wal-Mart Foundation
7
Funds Intended
Branch County Great Start Fund
Branch County Great Start Collaborative believes that all
children in Branch County can start school healthy, safe,
and ready to succeed. To do this the Collaborative formed
a partnership of Branch County parents, community agencies, business leaders, healthcare providers, educators,
foundations
For Youth
Branch County United Way Endowment
Provides free children’s books to all families in Branch
County through The Dollywood Foundation,
Branch County & Colon W. K. Kellogg Foundation Youth Project Funds
These two funds support the joint Branch and Colon Youth Advisory Council of local teens who learn effective grantmaking, endowment building, leadership, and how to improve the viability of their communities by being involved in visioning
and decision-making processes while still attending school.
Early Childhood Investment Fund
This fund helps support early childhood education initiatives. High-quality early education programs can produce substantial long-term benefits for participating children, their families, and society as a whole.
Irv & Kathryn Harris Memorial Fund
Irv & Katherine Harris were strong supporters of helping children grow up healthy. Created in their memory, this fund supports the needs of children in Branch County.
Community Unlimited Endowment
Community Unlimited offers before & after school programs, after school pack program, and a six-week summer program
for the youth of the Union City School District.
Ruth Rigg Memorial Fund for First Baptist Church
A percentage of the income of this fund is available each year to the First Baptist Church in Coldwater to help low-income
families who need the fee supplemented in order to have their children enrolled in the Church’s community childcare program.
Rachel’s Challenge Memorial Fund
This fund supports initiatives that motivate students to make a positive change in the way they treat other students.
Coach Floyd Eby Memorial Fund
This fund assists programs that support youth and their families and sponsors community betterment projects.
8
Funds Intended
Branch Area Careers Center Scholarship Fund
The goal of this fund is to be able to award at least one scholarship for every program at the Branch Area Careers Center. Note:
If you are an employee of the Branch Intermediate School District, you may elect to take a payroll deduction to give to this fund.
For Local Schools
Bronson Community Schools Endowment
Created by long-time residents, Elmer and Doris Houghton, this
fund supports the school’s athletics programs. Funds have been
used to purchase uniforms, equipment, and other essentials to
help youth participate in school sports programs.
Coldwater Community Schools Foundation Fund
This fund provides the little “extras” in programming and initiatives that enhance creative and innovative learning opportunities,
encourage academic excellence, and expand and diversify the learning experiences of Coldwater students.
Coldwater Community Schools Scholarship Fund
This fund helps Coldwater Schools award scholarships to Coldwater High School students. The Coldwater High School guidance office has more information about the different scholarship opportunities.
Quincy Educational Endowment Fund
This fund was established with the help of Richard and Janet Wendorf. Richard graduated from Quincy Community Schools
and wanted to help the school and the community that supported him in his youth. The fund awards grants for programs and
initiatives that promote excellence in education and high achievement for all Quincy Community Schools students with the goal
of supplementing, expanding, and diversifying learning experiences. Grants are awarded to such project as improvements,
remodeling, and replacement of classrooms and other educational buildings; educational technology equipment and infrastructure improvement; furnishing and improving existing classrooms; infrastructure renovation and the equipping of athletic fields;
athletic uniforms and equipment; performing arts; and much more.
Shellenbarger Memorial Fund
This fund was created by the family of a former Colon resident to support Colon Community Schools.
Colon Kiwanis Club Educational Fund
This fund supports the Kiwanis Club of Colon’s scholarship program.
Coldwater Youth in Government
This fund helps Coldwater Community School’s students participate in regional and statewide Youth in Government events.
9
Family
Family
Why do
Dan and
Sheila
Taylor’s
family
give?
Traveling through
life together
Quote from
Doing a public testimony about our giving to the Foundation is a little tough for our
family. Over the years, we have taught our (still young) children the Bible verse that
says to give in a way that your left hand does not know what you’re right hand is
doing. We pride our family also in giving our time, talents and treasure. Although
money is certainly important to any organization, we also realize the importance
that time and talent provides in a small community like ours. We want to leave this
community and this world better than when we entered and we want to instill the
importance of giving back to our children.
“We want to
instill the
importance of
giving back to
our children.”
The Foundation provides a basis for this educational process and also helps teach our
children the concept of “save, spend, donate” at an early age. We’re appreciative to
the Foundation for all of the activities, organizations, and efforts it supports to make
our world better for us and for our children.
Note: The Branch County Community Foundation strongly respects donor anonymity from gifts (we list gifts as
coming from "Anonymous") to funds (we have funds were the donor advisors [those making recommendations]
are anonymous). The Foundation also values and works with donors to achieve their charitable giving goals
within that framework.
10
Contributors
Fiscal Year Donors’
Circle Members
October 1, 2010 to
September 30, 2011
Leader ($10,000 +)
Coldwater American Amateur Baseball
Congress Federation, Inc.
Dan & Judy Dobson
First Presbyterian Church
LifeCare Ambulance Service
Presbyterian Health Clinic of Branch
County
Robert & Bridget Mayer
Southern Michigan Bank & Trust
Benefactor ($5,000 +)
Bloom Farms, LLC
Coldwater Kiwanis
Coldwater Noon Exchange Club
Coldwater Rotary Club
Coldwater USBC Youth
Colon Community Park Brick Fund
Eugene & Sharon Wallace
Marvin Rosenberg
William & Patricia Shoemaker
Patron ($2,500 +)
Alfred J. Kuhn
Altrusa International of Branch County
Marcie & Mike Love
Thelma H. Bloom
Partner ($1,000 +)
Branch County Area Chamber of
Commerce
Branch Insurance Agency
Branch Intermediate School District
Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary
Henry & Maureen English
Infinisource
Jeff & Patti Parsons
Mary Jo Kranz
Philip & Wiley Rice
Raymond & Cindy Gentz
Sandra Rice *61
Tom & Christine Tenney
Village of Quincy
Wal-Mart Foundation
Associate ($500 +)
Bobilya Chrysler Dodge Jeep
Century Bank & Trust
Coldwater on the Run
Community Health Center of Branch
County
County of Branch
Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan
Dave & Carol Wright
*Frances I. Johnson
Hugh Epping & Deborah Cookingham
Jeffrey & Barbara Russell
John & Wanda Shilling
KenDale Farm
Knights of Columbus, Council 2900
Linda Galliers
Michael Sussex
Oak Prairie Farms
Pines Behavioral Health Services
Quincy Chamber of Commerce
Quincy Rotary Club
Robert & Judy Moskalik
Sheryl A. Dart
T-Shirt Alley Plus
Union Pallet
Friend ($200 +)
Barry & Jo Ann Case
AcMoody Farms
B & M Crop Consulting, Inc.
Bernie Stankewicz
Biringer, Hutchinson, Lillis, Bappert &
Angell, P.C.
Branch County Coalition Against
Domestic Violence
Branch County Community
Foundation
Branch Interfaith Hospitality Network
Brent Withington
Bruce & Melinda Bloom
Bruce & Ruth Young
Caroline P. Lowe, CPA
Carpenter Creations, Inc.
Cartridges Unlimited
Charlene Lawson
Charles & Jayne Lillis
Coldwater Board of Public Utilities
Craig & Rita Sebald
Dale N. & Roberta J. Norton
Dane Knight
Daniel & Marie Hemker
David & Sharon Bates
Douglas A. & Sharon Duchi Bloom
Douglas W. Baxter
Dr. & Mrs. P.C. Baldwin
Dr. Bosco & Mrs. Lynda Chan
Drews Place of Coldwater
Dylan & Jodi Foster
Erland & Janet Gleason
Harold & Lillian Creal
Golf Club of Coldwater
Gregory M. Lowe
Jack E. & Iona H. Robbins
James & Janet Johnson
James & Karen Kooi
Jana & Tyler Baldwin
Jeanette & Phillip Mainstone
Joe & Karen Ganger
John & Lois Swanson
John & Maureen Hutchinson
John & Virginia Watkins
John Fast Roofing
Jon & Ruby I. Harpst
Kathryn Love
Kiess Jewelry
Longstreet Group, LLC
Mark & Monica Hacker
Midwest Optometry Group PLLC
Mike & Penny Conklin
Mr. & Mrs. Curt R. Proctor
Nancy Smith
Paul & Connie Winbigler
Paul & Kathy Bair
Phyllis L. Wagar
R. David Rumsey
Rachel Hard
Randall & Arbutus Heller
Ray & Fran Bregger
Ron Rose
Royal Chevrolet –Oldsmobile –
Cadillac
Sally Whitten
Sharon Demeester
Sherri, Robin, & Tammy Lowe
Spartan Stores Foundation
Steve & Mary Ann Dobson
Steven & Thelma Smalla
Terry & Nancy Hutchins
The Lamplighter
Thomas R. Swoish
Tim & Teresa Bensch
Timothy & Martha Stutzman
Trienne Topp
Trillium Staffing Solutions
Wayne & Christine Reese
William & Gerianne Post
William D. Renner II
11
Funds Intended
Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary Foundation Fund
The Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary Club has a long history of
taking on large community betterment projects.
Bronson Foundation Endowment Fund
The Bronson Foundation is a civic organization whose current primary project is restoration of the Bronson Community Theater.
For Community
Improvements
Quincy Rotary Projects Fund
This fund was established by the Quincy Rotary Club to help support community betterment projects in Quincy, scholarships,
and other charitable projects. Currently the Quincy Rotary is working to create a park so that families can enjoy recreation and
other outdoor activities in a safe environment.
Colon Community Historical Society Endowment
This fund was created by two local supporters of the Colon Community Historical Society to assure funds are available for historical projects both now and in the future.
Branch County Projects Fund
This fund lets the citizens of Branch County contribute to ongoing County betterment projects through the Community Foundation. In 2011, Mr. Bill Geiger gave over $35,000 through this fund to pay for a portico at each end of the Branch County Memorial Airport terminal.
Coldwater Holiday Decoration Endowment
This fund supports civic improvement through the replacement and maintenance of Coldwater’s holiday decorations, enhancing
the look and feel of Coldwater for its residents and visitors.
Colon Community Park Fund
This fund provides for the building of a community park in Colon, Michigan. Current plans include an amphitheatre and pavilion.
Quincy Courtyard Art Project
Quincy is working with local artisan, Joel Sanderson, to bring a special piece of art to Quincy’s downtown courtyard. An ironsculpted tree will represent Quincy’s past, present, and future as well as its agricultural heritage. You can make an outright donation or purchase a Souvenir Dogwood Blossom or Souvenir Coin created by Sanderson. Contact the Courtyard Beautification Committee’s chair, Karen Hargreave, at 517.639.4595 about ordering a Dogwood Blossom or Coin. Donation checks can
be made payable to the Branch County Community Foundation.
12
Funds Intended
Stanley G. Godfrey Endowment Fund for the Arts
This fund was established to support the finest artistic endeavors of
high integrity in Branch County. Stanley Godfrey was a gifted
professional dancer, choreographer, teacher, director, pianist, organist,
accompanist, and opera lover. He was United Methodist Church’s
director of music for 26 years. In 1968, he founded the Academy of
Dance and Related Arts in Coldwater and was its director and teacher
until his death in 1999. He also founded Coldwater’s only ballet
company, Young Michigan Dances (YMD), in 1972.
ForThe Arts and
Literacy
Bronson Library Fund
Established with a bequest, a portion of income from this fund goes to the Bronson Library.
Colon Township Library Endowment
Established by the Friends of the Colon Township Library, this funds supports educational and other programs and projects at
the Colon Township Library.
Union Township Friends of the Library
The Friends established this fund to meet the needs of non-operating programs and services at Lucille E. Dearth Union
Township Library both now and in the future.
Branch County Literacy Council
The mission of the Branch County Literacy Council (BCLC) is to eliminate illiteracy in Branch County. For 25 years, BCLC has
been working to enhance economic opportunities and quality of life for adults through improved literacy. BCLC provides FREE
literacy instruction tailored to the needs of each participant through trained volunteer tutors. You can volunteer by contacting the
Literacy Council by phone at 517.279.9833 or email at brcolitco@cbpu.com, or by visiting them on the lower level in the Branch
District Library in Coldwater.
13
Quality of Life
Why do Hal and
Lillian Creal give?
As former business owners in Branch County, we know
the importance of keeping your money safe and creating
a legacy in our community that withstands the test of
time providing a great quality of life for those funds we
help support.
We were founding members of the Foundation and find
its value to be that we can donate to various funds and
organizations through one source, rather than seeking
out each effort individually. It’s also reassuring to know
that the funds we donate are involved in a follow-up
process that ensures the money is being used as intended.
The Branch County Community Foundation holds a special place in our hearts, and we encourage other community members to use the Foundation as a vehicle to
make donations to benefit the community, which is also
supported by the government.
“...we encourage
other community
members to use
the Foundation as
a vehicle to make
donations.”
14
Leaving a Legacy
In honor and memory of . . .
In honor of
Anne Marso
by Kathryn Love
Mike & Sandy Davis
by Timothy & Martha Stutzman
In memory
Adelbert Massey & William Senker by
Branch Insurance Agency
Barbara Lee by
Jason Krause
Bill Johnson by
James & Janet Johnson
Nancy Smith
*Frances I. Johnson
Buzz Galliers by
Linda Galliers
Stan & Judy Bushouse
Patricia A. Timm
Robert & Linda Stewart
Joyce Heller
Roger & Naomi Fuller
John & Connie Klein
Jerry & Sandra Brown
Branch County Republican Womens Club
Mildred Stoner
Daniel & Marie Hemker
Mr. Wayne Kellogg
Bruce & Helen Brown
Nita Hart
Peggy Macklem
Adam Bell
Henry D. Longhini by
Richard & Stonna Spalding
Irma L. English by
Movita Hercules
Warren & Carolyn Link
David & Sharon Smith
St. Joseph County Medical Control Board
Joe & Pat Bingaman
Michael & Marilyn Miller
Dave & Laurie Wallace
Dennis & Pamela Babbs
Shirley Harker
Deanna Earl
David & Sheresa Males
John Vance by
Elouise Armstrong
Marcia Bloom
Barb Mullally
David & Lori Ruhlig
Mr. Donald Pascoe
John & Maureen Hutchinson
Sherwood & Barbara Craig
Karen Downs
Lee Vance by
Sally Whitten
Charley Van Aken by
Ryan & Marie Van Aken
Jack Raymond by
Winifred Newberry
Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Kellogg
Craig Wagoner by
Joyce Heller
Ms. Jane Randall
James E. Rice by
Philip & Wiley Rice
Sandra Rice
Leo Sanderson by
Anonymous
Danielle McCurley by
Don & Joyce McCurley
Jeri Holt by
Elinor Sweet
Margaret Norton by
Kenneth & Jane Norton
Donna Varce by
Phyllis L. Wagar
John & Maureen Hutchinson
Phillip AcMoody
Charles & Wilma Gruner
Dolores Rawson
Pat Woods
William Todd
Larry & Mike Sielken
Marcia Bloom
Ms. Caroline Lowe
Mr. Donald Pascoe
Margaret Gates
David & Lori Ruhlig
Rebecca Moore-Bible
Charlene Lawson
Pamela Alsbury
Elouise Armstrong
Jerry & Shirley Conklin by
Mike & Penny Conklin
Mello Post by
Knights of Columbus, Council 2900
Joan Harker by
Nancy Percival
Joseph G. Smolarz
Mrs. Gretchen Dresser
Geiger E.D.M., Inc.
Richard & Kelly Outwater
Michael & Debra Doe
Netta & June Fennell
Charles & Betty Kesler
Ron & Melody Hostetler
Tom & Betty Richards
Margaret Davenport
Ken Harker
Richard & Elizabeth Bower
Martha Farber
Carol L. Trayling
Kevin & Patti Miller
Tom Miller
Robert & Kelly Bibb
Hans & Connie Geiger
Barry & Diana Mumby
Gregory Bingaman
Michael & Mary Mingus
Dr. John & Debra Robertson
Karl & Mary Littman
Harold & Juanita Oldfield
Scott & Dianne Weiderman
Sturgis Hospital
Lee & Georgia Austermann
Pattie Bender
Centreville Fire & Rescue
Dan & Rosemary Weirich
Jacqueline Harker
Larry & Margaret Edgington
Ken & Sharon Link
Greg & Nancy Kolb
Ricky & Karen Hart
Ray Kranz by
Elizabeth Eichler
Doris Littlejohn by
Mike & Sandy Davis
Edward Thomas by
Dave & Beth Hoppe
Ervin Wesner & Willis Cullison by
Doug & Ann Reiter
Fran Johnson by
Dale & Glenda Brown
Glen Brown by
Diane Brown
Gregory Smith by
Betty Fidler
Helen Luce by
Claude & France Coleman
Duane & Vera Rufenacht
Leland Vance by
Dolores Rawson
Ray Kranz’s birthday by
Mary Jo Kranz
Robert Tardiff by
Allen Goldberg
Rudolph F. Maicher by
Margaret Maicher
Shari Sharpley-Brown by
Richard & Stonna Spalding
Shirley Ann Poortenga by
Alan & Peggy Sluis-Dabrowski
Rick & Robin Barrett
Shirley Poortenga by
Kevin & Patti Miller
Jack & Judith Rudy
Tod & Jan Schipper
Ray & Connie Thrams
Frank & Anna Kime
Mark & Debbra Thornton
Lloyd & Cheryl Teller
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kime
Mary Ann Zimmerman
Peter & Helen Ziemkowski
George Stevens
Frank & Judy Nowak
Jerry & Sharyn Watts
Theobelle Gollmer Mueller by
John & Karen Wilkins
Larry & Carol Parker
Woodrow & Anne English
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Funds Intended
Bike Branch County Fund
This fund’s goal is to create more bike trails and other spaces that
make Branch County more “bike friendly”. Spaces like these provide
intrinsic environmental, aesthetic, and recreation benefits to our area.
Healthy Senior & Healthy Youth Funds
These special funds award grants for programs that improve the
health of youth and seniors, including programs that focus on health
and nutrition, family counseling, smoking prevention and cessation,
and early childhood development programs.
For Quality of Life,
Health and Recreation
Fund for the First Presbyterian Health Clinic
The Health Clinic provides services to those who are not eligible for Medicaid and who cannot otherwise afford health care; this
includes those who are working but do not have health insurance.
Branch County Coalition Against Domestic Violence Prevention & Education Fund
This fund supports the Branch County Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s domestic violence and sexual assault education
and programming.
Coldwater USBC Youth Bowling Fund
This fund helps cover the cost of youth bowling leagues and allows young people to participate in a safe, affordable, familyoriented activity and create positive relationships with peers and mentoring adults in the community.
The Arab American Society of Coldwater Fund
The AASC helps community members of Arab descent integrate into community life and access English classes and other educational opportunities and employment and other resources to better their lives and the lives of their
families.
Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary Project Fund
This fund supports the Clubs’ community betterment projects. Currently the Sunrise Rotary Club is helping to fund renovation of
the Coldwater Community Schools’ Softball/Baseball fields.
Project Hope Spay & Neuter Fund – For the health and love of animals, this fund was created to support Project Hope Animal
Rescue’s spay and neuter program in Branch County.
Family Promise Branch of Branch County Endowment
offers housing, encouragement, and support to families and single women by helping coordinate food, fellowship, and shelter
through a dozen local host churches in Branch County.
LifeCare Ambulance Fund
You can help assure that LifeCare Ambulance Service can maintain its high standard of service in Branch County with your gift
to this fund.
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General Funds
The Forever Fund
For Good, For Now, and For Ever. Created to support the community now and in the future, the Forever Fund has the broadest impact on the community because it awards grants for any project or
program that improves the quality of life in Branch County and it
supports the Community Foundation’s work toward that goal.
Community Foundation Operating Fund
This fund directly supports Community Foundation’s marketing,
advertising, staffing, special programming and events, and other
activities that help maintain and grow over 100 separate funds; and
it supports the Community Foundation’s work toward achieving its
mission.
Branch County HomeTown Competitiveness Fund
HomeTown Competitiveness (HTC) isn’t about towns competing against one another. It’s about hometowns competing in a
global economy. The HomeTown Competitiveness Fund supports a holistic, community-driven economic development strategy-based on homegrown assets---doing the most with what we already have. HTC grants build on the local resources in
Branch County that – no matter how small it is – every small town or village already has.
Colon Foundation Fund
The Colon Foundation Fund awards grants to improve the quality of life in the Colon area. A gift of any size makes a lasting
impact. A committee of community members reviews these grants.
Note—a complete list of current funds can be found at www.BrCoFoundation.org/give/fund_list.html
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Ready to Get Ahead of the Game?
Contact Us
2 W Chicago Street, Suite E1
Coldwater, MI 49036
517.278.4517 tel
888.479.8640 fax
www.BrCoFoundation.org
info@BrCoFoundation.org
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