Local Dollars Meet Local Needs

   
phi·lan·thro·pist

noun \fə-ˈlan(t)-thrə-pist\
1: One who practices goodwill to fellow members of the human race, especially in their active effort to promote human welfare

When you think of the word philanthropist,
do you think of people like Bill and Melinda Gates? They do, indeed, qualify as modern philanthropists, but you don’t have to be wealthy to do good works with your hard-earned money.

    Become a philanthropist now by contributing to The Shenandoah Community Foundation - a non-profit public foundation that provides for the administration and investment of gifts and bequests primarily for the benefit of Shenandoah County. Needs served by the Foundation may be broad in scope or they may be targeted to something very specific.

   Determining where your charitable assets might have the most direct and lasting impact can often be a frustrating and time-consuming process. One huge advantage offered by the Shenandoah Community Foundation is our ability to pool donated funds for maximum investment leverage, minimal administrative costs and tax savings for the donors.

    We keep local dollars working in our own community to meet local needs.

Foundation Hires Program Coordinator

Shenandoah Community Foundation Hires Program Coordinator
The Shenandoah Community Foundation today announced that Jeanne Russell has been hired as Program Coordinator starting in January 2012. Russell is experienced in public relations, computers, and marketing. She will be coordinating and promoting the Foundation’s grant and scholarship programs as well as providing creative input to further the organization’s missions and goals and broaden its reach in the community.

 “We are very excited to welcome Jeanne aboard,” said Foundation President Jeff Dalke. “She brings a clear commitment to community service, and we believe her unique mix of experience, creativity, and skill will accelerate our organization’s momentum. Everyone here feels her arrival is a great way to start the New Year.”

Russell is active in the community and runs a creative services company that offers writing, publishing, web-building, marketing, and design. From 2006 to 2009 she co-hosted the Just Say It! Radio Show on WSVG in Mt Jackson.  Russell worked for the Federal Government and then as a government contractor before moving to Shenandoah County in December 2002.

“I am honored to be hired by such a worthwhile organization and can’t wait to get started,” says Russell.

Since its founding in 1999, the Shenandoah Community Foundation has helped over 40 donors and donor groups establish funds to support charitable causes. During 2011, it awarded over $100,000 in grants to local nonprofits and scholarships to local students. In short, the Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter in Shenandoah County, Virginia, and surrounding areas. 

Foundation Accomplishments 2011

Over $500,000 in grants and scholarships awarded since January 2007

$109,000 in Grants Awarded in 2011:
  • $47,000 to area nonprofit organizations as part of 4th annual unrestricted grants program
  • $48,000 in scholarship grants to county youth
  • $14,000 in additional grants to nonprofits from restricted grants program

Service Improvements in 2011:
  • Upgraded website that is more attractive, informative, and user-friendly
  • New on-line donation capability for internet donors
  • New Facebook and Twitter social media accounts
  • 2010 annual report published and brochures revised

Financial Growth in 2011:
  • 6.16% net asset growth for year
  • $1.689 million total net assets at year-end
  • Three new funds established for a current total of 49 funds
  • $18,000, or 33%, reduction in operating expenses

New Faces in 2011:
  • Two new Board members added:  Dr. Jerry Germroth and The Honorable I. Clinton Miller
  • New Program Coordinator selected:  Jeanne Ellen Russell

Community Outreach in 2011:
  • June reception for 2011 grant recipients honoring their organizations and service
  • Hosting of 2011 Shenandoah County Fair booth
  • Presentations to civic groups and donors about how we might help to achieve their charitable goals

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