Generosity built the Community Foundation ... and our communities
As we head toward Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting a little more each week. Soon we’ll gather around a table, count our blessings, and let the to-do lists wait for a day. I’ve always appreciated that the season of gratitude and the season of giving land so close together. One seems to lead naturally into the other.
When I think about what I’m thankful for this year, so much of it comes back to the people of Howard, Clinton, and Carroll Counties. I see it in the donor who calls to start a scholarship in memory of a lost loved one, in the family that adds to their fund every December, and in the neighbors who show up for each other when it matters most. That kind of generosity is what built this Foundation, and it’s what keeps our communities strong.
I’m also deeply grateful for the team you see pictured above. They’re the ones answering your calls, guiding families through their giving, and making sure every grant and scholarship reaches the people and places it’s meant to help. Their care for this work and for each other shows up in everything they do, and I’m proud to work alongside them.
As the year winds down, many of you are thinking about how you want to give before December 31. Our team is here to help you sort through the options and find what fits. Whether you’re giving cash, appreciated stock, or a gift from your IRA, a quick conversation now can save a lot of last-minute stress later. Gifts of stock in particular can take a little extra time to transfer, so reaching out early is always a good idea.
To the professional advisors who partner with us, thank you. Year-end is a busy season for you, and we’re grateful for every client conversation where you bring charitable giving to the table. Our team is happy to answer questions, walk through fund options, or help make a gift happen smoothly before the deadline.
From all of us at the Foundation, I hope you have a Thanksgiving full of good food, good company, and plenty to be grateful for. Thank you for being part of what makes this place home.
“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” -- Thornton Wilder