You know what it means to give. You know what it means to make a positive change to your community. You know philanthropy, but do you know the terminology?
Here is a question we hear from time to time: what exactly is a community foundation?
Here’s the short answer. A community foundation is a public charity dedicated to improving the lives of area residents, in an variety of different ways. From donor-advised funds to endowments to scholarships, a community fund offers versatility in allowing individuals the ability to define their giving in action.
For example, the Moline Regional Community Foundation focuses on the improving the quality of life in the Moline area, as well as surrounding Illinois counties.
Now you know the “what.” Want to learn the “when’s” and “why’s”? Check out our recent blog below and learn all about community foundations!
Keep Illinois Gives in mind as you file your taxes this year.
In case you haven’t heard, with this new legislation, any Illinois taxpayer making a financial gift to an endowed fund at an accredited community foundation will be eligible for an additional 25% Illinois tax credit.
This legislation is a huge game changer for Illinois-based nonprofits, inspiring and incentivizing permanent support for the nonprofits who work hard to improve Illinois residents’ quality of life. Few states offer such an opportunity, and we commend our legislators and community leaders for their commitment to the communities they serve.
If you’re interested in learning what Illinois Gives is all about, check out this article and find out how you can benefit from this advantageous legislation.
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This March, the historic Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House properties have established an endowment fund at MRCF. This fund not only allows donors the opportunity to provide annual gifts but planned gifts as well.
Growing the endowment will enable these two beautiful cultural attractions to have a steady source of annual funding.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Moline Regional Community Foundation to provide an opportunity for donors to support Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House in a meaningful way,” says Heather Calvert with the Butterworth Center. “These funds will provide long term support for the organization, ensuring that future community members have an historic space to support & carry out the mission of their organizations, and guests from around the world can hear stories about the legacy of the Deere, Wiman, & Butterworth families.”
As an additional incentive, if donors are Illinois taxpayers, they are eligible for a 25% tax credit through the “Illinois Gives” legislation.
Learn more about these wonderful community assets below!
Butterworth Center
Last Sunday, First Tee partnered with Beyond the Baseline and participated in their “Give It A Try” experience. With this event, our local youth were given the opportunity to, as the name suggests, give something new a try. Geared towards kids who don’t often get the chance to participate in athletics, they were able to try all types of sports such as golf, basketball, archery, volleyball, boxing, track and more!
With your giving in action, we were able to fund First Tee’s purchase of this fun, inflatable golf cage, which was used for this event! “We cannot thank the Moline Community Regional Foundation enough for supporting us!” said Sara Cross with First Tee. “We are having so much fun bringing it to schools and community events like this one!”
Every time someone made a target, they had the chance to say which target they made and talk about what that terms means to them. With targets like “pursue goals,” “collaborate with others,” “use good judgement,” “stay positive,” and “grow through challenges,” each swing was an insightful learning moment for the young golfers!
With over 120 youth in attendance, the event was a huge success! Gary Thrapp put on an exceptional event and reminded our community of the importance in exposing youth to different sports and caring mentors.
To learn more about the wonderful things First Tee contribute to our community, check out their page below!
First Tee
