The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. serves as Creative MontCo’s fiscal sponsor and is a member of the Creative MontCo Executive Committee. Creative MontCo is a ten-year master plan to catalyze the cultural and economic development of Montgomery County’s diverse communities. It reflects the aspirations of the county’s population to better understand and harness the cultural and creative assets in their communities. 

FISCAL SPONSORSHIPS

In Support of Students at The Pathway School

The Hot Spot Market at The Pathway School in Jeffersonville
is supported by The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc.'s MBF Center Fund
which provides funding for nonprofit organizations that empower individuals with
disabilities to lead independent and productive lives.
Here students operate a café onsite where they have hands-on experience learning
skills to prepare for, achieve and maintain employment in the community.

NONPROFIT CLINIC 2016 WORKSHOP SERIES

Here's What You Missed in January:

CYBER LIABILITY Lunch & Learn

The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. and Lindsay Insurance Group were pleased to present a cyber liability insurance seminar on January 28, 2016 to discuss various exposures to loss, inherent risks, data security and risk management techniques to protect your assets in event of a claim.

Special thanks to William G. Toner, CIC, CRM, Vice President, Lindsay Insurance Company and Nonprofit Clinic 2016 Event Partner: The Haverford Trust Company.

CONTINUING CONVERSATIONS ABOUT WOMEN

IN THE NONPROFIT WORKPLACE

Leading With Intention: Strengthening Your Leadership Strategy

The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. presented Leading With Intention: Strengthening Your Leadership Strategy, a major event focused on women in the nonprofit workplace on Tuesday, December 1st to a full-house of highly engaged participants at Blue Bell County Club.

Keynote speaker and SheWill Lead founder was Sheryl Williams whose personal and professional passion is supporting women in leveraging their strengths and developing both the executive presence and leadership strategies to attain their goals. A luncheon followed that included the presentation of the Foundation’s Woman of Distinction Award to Valerie A. Arkoosh, MD, MPH and Vice Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners.

Much appreciation to each of our sponsors this year, with very special acknowledgement to The Haverford Trust Company which has played the invaluable role of Event Partner in support of both the Leading With Intention convening and the follow-up programming scheduled for 2016. Haverford’s exceptionally generous partnership has been lead by Christine E. Walker, CFP®, CIMA®, Vice President & Portfolio Manager and Robert F. Stiles, Vice President, Business Development with whom we are honored to be associated.

MCFI Gratitude to:

Events Sponsor: The Haverford Trust Company
Gold Sponsor: TD Bank
Silver Sponsor: Diccianni Financial Group, Inc. National Penn Investors Trust Company, Bryn Mawr Trust, Gwynedd Mercy University, Marcia & Kirk Field
Bronze Sponsor: Valley Forge Asset Management, LLC, Gorski Construction Inc., St. Pedro & Associates, Inc.
Event Friend Sponsor: WIFS Philadelphia/Tri-County Chapter, Linda K. Waddell, Dr. Thurman D. Booker, David & Marsha Bolden, The Sierchio Financial Group

A LOOK BACK AT 2015
Your Community Foundation at Work

EVENTS/CONVENINGS

Leading With Intention: Strengthening Your Leadership Strategy

Over 150 registered to attend this compelling new initiative - a follow-up to a year of engaging programing for women in the nonprofit sector. December’s keynote speaker and SheWill Lead founder was Sheryl Williams whose personal and professional passion is supporting women in leveraging their strengths and developing both the executive presence and leadership strategies to attain their goals. A luncheon followed that included the presentation of the Foundation’s Woman of Distinction Award to Valerie A. Arkoosh, MD, MPH and Vice Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners.

Continuing Conversations
About Women in the Nonprofit Workplace

Women and Leadership programing included:

• Sharpening the Tools to Manage Your Career Workshop – 03/18/15
• The Dynamics of Money Workshop – 06/24/15
• MCFI website spotlight featuring The 74% Initiative Toolbox
• Women’s Executive Director Roundtable Pilot Project

NONPROFIT CLINIC 2015

• Truly Distinctive: Creating A Meaningful Organizational Brand - 10/08/15
• The Fine Art of Using Your 990 as a Marketing Tool - 09/16/15
• How to Create and Propel A Truly Effective Development Plan - 06/17/15
• Building a Board the Strives and Thrives – 05/20/15
• Compelling Story-telling as a Critical Key to Fundraising Success - 04/22/15
• Speed Consulting in Partnership with The Nonprofit Center at La Salle University’s School of Business - 03/25/15
• Cover Your Assets - 02/25/15

Regional nonprofit organizations are welcome to use the Foundation’s training and board rooms for meetings. Wealth Management Advisors (who have the capacity to make referrals for charitable donations to the Foundation) meet onsite as well. A total of 611 people from various community groups to the Foundation’s fiscal sponsee organizations convened at the Foundation offices in 2015 for everything from board meetings to strategic planning sessions.

CREATIVE MONTCO COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. serves as Creative MontCo’s fiscal sponsor and is a member of the Creative MontCo Executive Committee. Creative MontCo is currently in the process of becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Community Connection Events offer opportunities for the region’s creative community to gather, such as at Rhythm & Brews hosted by Settlement Music School (04/25/15). Pictured above is the hanging of banners depicting local artwork as part of the Art on Our Trails initiative launched in 2015.

FISCAL SPONSORSHIPS

The Foundation is the fiscal sponsor for Advocates Against Hunger, a community group that includes soup kitchens and food banks, nonprofits and individuals and seeks to educate the community about food insecurity in Montgomery County. Pictured on the previous page are community members volunteering at a Fresh Food Market at the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library focused on providing free fruit, vegetables and services information to those in need. We are also fiscal sponsor of and Leadership Council member of Your Way Home Montgomery County whose mission it is to improve the housing stability, economic security and health of all Montgomery County residents.

• Creative MontCo
• Montgomery County Commission on Women and Families
• Your Way Home Montgomery County
• Elder Access to Justice Roundtable
• Montgomery County System of Care Community Fund
  
  

COMMUNITY SERVICE

The Foundation collaborates with the community in a wide range of ways:

• Significant partnership roles in community convenings such as the Bux-Mont Collaborative Trauma & Adversity Summit (11/19/15) pictured on the previous page that drew 275 participants, The Economics of Caregiving Conference (10/30/15) also pictured on the previous page and the Elder Access to Justice Roundtable gathering on Dealing With Cognitive Decline: Competency and the Risk for Elder Abuse (06/12/15).
• A diverse range of regional nonprofit groups meet at the Foundation including Women in Insurance & Financial Services (WIFS), Your Way Home, Advocates Against Hunger and Friends Life Care.
• The Foundation President serves on the Board of Directors of the Montgomery County Estate Planning Council and is a recent Past President.
• The Foundation President served on the Board of Trustees of the Montgomery Bar Foundation and is a member of the Montgomery Bar Association Community Task Force.
• The Foundation President serves on the Board of Trustees of Friends Life Care.
• The Foundation President serves as an Ambassador for the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce.
• The Foundation President is a member of the Rotary Club of Norristown.
• The Foundation is a member of the Council on Foundations, WIFS, and Philanthropy Network.
  
  

GRANTS

• The Foundation provides grants to nonprofits focused on arts & culture, human services, animal welfare, the environment, and other charitable organizations. Grants from the General Distribution Funds and Donor Funds provide agencies with an opportunity to apply for general operating support. The Foundation also provides scholarships from several scholarship funds.
• The Rotary Club of Norristown Community Impact Committee meets at the Foundation and determines its grants to community charitable causes using the Foundation’s grantmaking process.
• The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. provides grantmaking oversight for the Montgomery Bar Foundation which focuses on grants to nonprofit organizations providing services for those most in need of access to justice.
• The Emergency Heating and Cooling Fund provides funds for low income elderly and families for heating oil, furnace repair, air conditioning and electric bills to prevent shut off of service.
• Grants were made to five Montgomery County agencies thanks to a large gift from an anonymous donor. The gift was given to provide hope for the 2016 year to low-income individuals and/or families who had needs not funded by other sources.
• The 2015 year will once again see a challenge grant as a result of a continued collaboration between the Genuardi Family Foundation and The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc.

OTHER FUND INITIATIVES

• The Foundation partnered for a second year with the Philmont Country Club whose members raised funds in 2015 for the Philmont Country Club Veterans Project.
• The Montgomery County Commission on Women and Families for which the Foundation serves as philanthropic advisor and fiscal sponsor held two events and provided scholarships for women. The Scholarship Fund is managed by the Foundation.
• The Shirley Schriftman Fund for Animals changed its granting to assist low income and elderly consumers with support for veterinary care and food for pets in danger of being relinquished.
• The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. was the recipient of an anonymous monthly donation to help the Foundation achieve its goals in the community.
• Lucy Belle’s Rainbow Fund has doubled in size over the past year.
• The Pottstown High School Alumni Fund is nearing its distribution level. Continuous growth to the Fund has occurred in 2015.

The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. assists Donors to achieve their Philanthropic Goals through the establishment of Donor Advised Funds, Donor Designated Funds, Scholarship Funds, Field of Interest Funds and through Bequests and Planned Giving. The Foundation also serves as a “Catalyst for Community Solutions” by developing and supporting charitable causes.

The official registration and financial information of The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999.  Registration does not imply endorsement.  The Pension Protection Act of 2006 requires that we notify you that The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. has exclusive legal control over the contributed assets.

WELCOME TO POTTSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI FUND

The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. welcomes the Pottstown High School Alumni Fund as a new Field of Interest Fund. This fund was established by 5 graduates of Pottstown High School. The Fund was established primarily to benefit the educational values of students and will support educational projects of the Pottstown School District in the community of Montgomery County Pennsylvania to enhance the learning of students through grants for general education, not limited to, athletic projects and programs for the arts and music.

The founders, pictured above, are Barbara Bushey Ernico, Jenis Bechtel Frederick, Susan Bradley Trout, Betsy Hirsch Katz, and Robert Hauseman. The Fund was established on May 29, 2014.

A sincere thanks to the Founders of the Fund for giving back to the community!

ADVOCATES AGAINST HUNGER ACCOMPLISH 4th FRESH FOOD DISTRIBUTION

May 31, 2014 was the 4th distribution of fresh foods in Norristown. Many volunteers gathered to package and distribute and to otherwise make the distribution a success. The distribution funding came from the Rotary Club of Norristown. The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. is fiscal sponsor and partner to the Advocates Against Hunger. GET MORE NUMBERS!

GVFHRA GIVES DONATION

Thank you to the GVFHRA for their continued commitment to the work of The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. Virginia Frantz, Pres. & CEO attended the June 3, 2014 Greater Valley Forge Human Resources Association where Nina Nicoloso presented the Foundation with a check. Nina led the special event silent auction earlier in the year to raise funds for the Foundation and the membership (some of whom were in the audience) participated in the silent auction helping to make the Foundation’s work possible. THANK YOU AGAIN for your help in supporting those most in need!

NEW BEGINNINGS 2014

The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. has moved and settled into its new home. As we sadly packed to leave the Norristown office, we anticipated the new adventure with mixed feelings…we were leaving a ‘home we loved’ and at the same time, starting over with a new logo, a new location and new programming.

The focus of the community foundation continues to be on our role as a catalyst for community solutions’ as we take on new challenges and engage donors

The boxes are unpacked…we invite you to visit the offices, maybe plan your next meeting here, or come to some of the non-profit clinic programs. New address: 4 Sentry Parkway, Suite 302, Blue Bell, PA 19422.

Take a look at the pictures of the move, click here. (must have Powerpoint to view)

The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. is seeking individuals, corporations and other foundations to donate to our fund that will support arts and culture organizations in our Montgomery County.

Endowment funds, as they grow, provide grants to non-profit organizations in our communities. Many of the arts and culture non-profits struggle each year to raise funds to continue to provide their services. Many people in this community are committed to maintaining and enhancing the assets found in this county. Join with us by contributing to this endowment fund OR by establishing your own fund here at the Foundation.

The Foundation and its board felt that arts and culture organizations are especially hard hit in difficult economic times. Human Services organizations receive priority in general distributions. The arts and culture organizations contribute to the wellbeing of our communities and add to the viability of a community through its employee impact and quality of life impact. Through the growth of a permanent endowment, it is hope that eventually there will be a source of funding that is dedicated to arts and culture!

MCF, INC. Launches New Initiative Women as
Catalysts for Community Solutions

A pivotal focus of this year at The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. is a commitment to introducing women in the region to meaningful new ways to support a range of pressing community needs. With this in mind, the Foundation created the Women and Philanthropy: Catalysts for Community Solutions Luncheon Series targeted at promoting vigorous exploration of subjects as diverse as the arts, hunger/food insecurity and philanthropy in Montgomery County

The first two lunches have attracted an outstanding group of women all of whom are successful in their careers and daily lives. These women are also very interested in the well-being and strength of our communities. The first luncheon focused on the Food needs of Montgomery County with presenters Dr. Deborah Howe, Temple University and Jillian Brainard, Director of Community Programs, SHARE Food Programs. The second program focused on Women as Catalysts for Community Solutions with presentations by Cindy Diccianni, Joan Morello, and Virginia Frantz.

We are pleased with the response to both luncheons and look forward to our third program on June 16th, The Arts in Montgomery County. If you have an interest in joining us, please call the office at 484-532-7387 for details.

ADVOCATES AGAINST HUNGER

Formerly the Norristown Advocacy Group On Hunger, a group of volunteers from the community are now called the Advocates Against Hunger.  Regular meetings are held at the offices of The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. The Foundation serves as the fiscal sponsor for the group and participates in the efforts as well.  The group consists of representatives of churches, volunteers, food cupboards and kitchens, and agencies serving people in need of food.  Their goal is to enhance food delivery and address volunteer needs as well as encouraging collaborations and educating the community on Hunger issues.  See the new Website www.advocatesagainsthunger.org .

The group has provided several conferences and is planning another in October of this year.  The group has a Fund here at the Foundation to assist with the programs that are provided. 

The Foundation shares the commitment to serving those in need of food and nutrition support with increasing effectiveness and care.

The Foundation also maintains a Hunger and Homeless Fund which seeks donations of any size.  The permanent endowment fund seeks to grow the assets in the fund in order to provide meaningful funding to organizations providing such services to the Montgomery County Community.

Send your donations made payable to The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc., 2 West Lafayette Street, Suite 120, Norristown, PA 19401.  Please include Hunger and Homeless Fund or Advocates Against Hunger on the memo line or include a note indicating the fund as recipient of your donation.

ROTARY CLUB OF NORRISTOWN SUPPORTS ADVOCATES AGAINST HUNGER

Rotary Vice President Jim Nutt, Fund Raiser Chairman Dave Beach, Kary & Nanette Lafors from Advocates Against Hunger and Rotary President Jack Rule

As part of its continuing efforts to support organizations serving the greater Norristown community, the Rotary Club of Norristown presented a check for $10,500 to Advocates Against Hunger www.advocatesagainsthunger.org - a Norristown volunteer group that assists those agencies and groups that fight hunger in the local area. Advocates Against Hunger has as their purpose: ”To promote community dialogue on hunger and nutrition in the Norristown area with the purpose of sustaining and improving delivery of food and nutrition to the poor, educating the community, increasing participation of volunteer population and increasing resources.” The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. convenes and sponsors the group of volunteers and maintains a Fund at the Foundation for them.

The donation, presented at the Rotary weekly luncheon meeting on May 16th represents the proceeds for the Norristown Rotary’s annual fundraising pancake breakfast and silent auction, which was held on Saturday, April 6, 2013. The donation was presented by Norristown Rotary president Jack Rule and received by Kary and Nanette LaFors representing Advocates Against Hunger.

Rotary International is the world’s first service club organization with more than 1.2 million members worldwide. The Rotary Club of Norristown is one of 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary Club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace and eradicate polio under the motto “Service Above Self”. The Rotary Club of Norristown meets each Thursday at noon at the Westover Golf Club. Additional information can be found at the club’s web site www.norristownrotary.org and on Facebook www.facebook.com/rotaryclubofnorristown.

SHIRLEY SCHRIFTMAN FUND

The Foundation welcomes the Shirley Schriftman Fund for Animals established to honor the memory of Shirley Schriftman. This fund will continue her legacy as a person with a deep concern about the welfare of animals. There were so many achievements and so many interests to which she made commitments. This permanent endowment fund will further just one of the important causes in her life. Ross Schriftman, her devoted son, has established this Donor Advised Fund.

The Fund gave grants to three organizations this year: Francisvale Home for Smaller Animals, Spay and Save, Inc. and The Montgomery County Farm, Home & 4-H Foundation for the Seeing Eye Puppy Club program.

Pictured from L to R: Ross Schriftman, Shirley Schriftman Fund for Animals; Clare Sautter, Executive Director of Francisvale Home for Smaller Animals; Virginia Frantz, President & CEO of The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc.

Pictured from L to R: Valarie Nave; Ross Schriftman, Shirley Schriftman Fund for Animals; Christine Daniels, President of Spay & Save.

Pictured from L to R: Ross Schriftman, Shirley Schriftman Fund for Animals; Marilynn Boone of the Montgomery County 4-H Seeing Eye Puppy Club; Virginia Frantz, President & CEO of The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc.

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JOE ST. PEDRO MAKES DONATION TO THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY FOUNDATION, INC.

Virginia Frantz, President and CEO of The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. receives donation from Joseph St. Pedro of St. Pedro and Associates. Mr. St. Pedro, Supervisor of Limerick Township, donated his salary as Supervisor to the Foundation which serves Montgomery County and surrounding communities providing grants and other support to non-profits as well as assisting donors to leave a legacy while achieving their Philanthropic goals.

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CREATIVE MONTCO……

WWW.CREATIVEMONTCO.ORG

For the last 18 months, this Foundation and its partners having been working on developing a 10 year plan for arts and culture for Montgomery County.  The plan was just completed and we are now in the implementation phase of the project.

This is a grassroots effort and we have had many, many volunteers helping to make this happen.  The full report, the creative economy report and the executive summary report is on the www.creativemontco.org website.  

The implementation phase is underway with all volunteers committing time and energy to help raise funds for this phase.  This is amazing considering all the volunteers have other responsibilities.  You are welcome to join one of the 6 teams working on implementing the recommendations of the finished plan.

The Foundation is pleased to serve as fiscal sponsor and partner for this project.  This is one of a number of projects under the Foundation’s ‘Catalyst for Community Solutions’ projects. 

Please call 484-532-7387 or e-mail execoffice@mcfoundationinc.org with questions, or for information on how to donate to this project.

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Thanks to PECO....

Thank you to PECO for the donation of a $20,000 grant to assist with the Creative Montco Implementation Phase. 

Creative Montco, the relatively new civic initiative aimed at cultivating the cultural and   economic future of the county, received an oversized check from PECO during Thursday morning’s Board of Commissioners regular meeting.

Thanks to $20,000 from the electricity supplying giant, Creative Montco can expand its reach into the community and build on its mission of attracting and retaining businesses in the county with a creative twist.

Dr. Karen A. Stout, President of Montgomery County Community College and Chair of Creative Montco, said Montgomery County has a residency that “spends more money per capita on the arts than most communities across the country.”

“What we don’t have is a strategy to capitalize on all those assets, and that’s what Creative Montco and our plan will do,” she said.

Last September, the group unveiled a 10-year plan, which had some very early adopters in funding and investing, of which PECO was one of them.

“While public investment is important in the arts, we know that public investment is tight and funding from the public sector is not always available,” said Stout.

“We’ve decided we can’t wait for public sector investment, and that’s why today is so important. We’re hoping to leverage this to get more private funding.”

Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. is the fiscal agent of the organization and will be receiving private donations on behalf of Creative Montco.

“We hope that as we go forward, we’ll be able to leverage these dollars, because this is a unique project – it’s a grassroots project.  It’s all funded from the community and foundations,” said Virginia Frantz, President and CEO of the Montgomery County Foundation, Inc.

“It is unusual for a county to do this type of project.  Generally, it’s a state doing this type of thing, so it’s very important to develop the cultural identity of Montgomery County.”

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THANK YOU TO THE LIMERICK TOWNSHIP INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY….

Pictured L to R: Ryan Wall, Treasurer of Limerick Township Industrial Development Authority; Chris Haring, Secretary of Limerick Township Industrial Development Authority; Virginia Frantz, President & CEO of The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc.; Joseph St. Pedro, Vice Chair and Carmen Italia, Co-Chair of Limerick Township Industrial Development Authority.

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Welcome to the A. Kirk Field Family of Funds: INCLUDES A CHALLENGE FUND

Dr. A. Kirk Field recently established a Donor Advised Fund and a Designated Fund to achieve his philanthropic goals. The Designated Fund is a unique type of fund. The fund will support the operations of the North Wales Area Library but it has been established to attract other donors to contribute to this permanent endowment fund. Dr. Field will match up to $50,000 in donations. If you love libraries and especially love this local library, please consider a contribution to the fund.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteers needed to assist the Foundation with marketing, clerical, data entry and other projects. Please call Ellie at 484-532-7387.

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A LOOK BACK AT 2014
Your Community Foundation at Work

A New Beginning

Events / Convenings

Nonprofit Clinic 2014: Harnessing Energy and Expertise

A workshop series focused on the support and capacity-building of the nonprofit community:

• Nonprofit Governance: Don’t Get Left in the Dark (11/11/14)
• Creating an Accountability Framework (07/02/14)
• A Roadmap to Financial Health (06/04/14)
• Improve Transparency and Build Credibility with Your Fundraising Practices (05/07/14)
• Succession Planning for Nonprofit Leaders (04/02/14)

Nonprofit organizations are provided an opportunity to use the training and board rooms for meetings. A total of 486 people from various nonprofits, civic groups, and others scheduled and attended meetings here at the Foundation offices.

Fiscal Sponsorships of new nonprofits and civic groups by the Foundation continued and those groups held strategic planning meetings, board meetings and staff meetings at our offices.

Professional Advisors (a referral source for our Foundation) met here. Wealth Management Advisors have the capacity to make referrals for charitable donations to the Foundation.

WIFS – Women in Insurance and Financial Services chose the Foundation as the permanent monthly meeting place for their members

Women in Philanthropy: Catalysts for Community Solutions Luncheon Series

A trio of gatherings designed to introduce prospective Foundation supporters to regional issues:

• The Arts in Montgomery County(06/16/14)
• Women as Catalysts for Community Solutions (05/05/14)
• Hunger in Montgomery County (04/07/14)

The 74% INITIATIVE:
A CONVERSATION ABOUT WOMEN IN THE NONPROFIT WORKPLACE

An ongoing Foundation commitment geared towards women and their status within the nonprofit sector:

• The 74% Initiative Major Event (12/10/14)
• Series of Leadership Council Strategy Session Luncheons (throughout the year).  The Leadership Council is made up of prominent women of all ages and backgrounds who have an interest in philanthropy and issues in Montgomery County.

Women in Philanthropy Fund

A volunteer committee of women focused on granting funds raised at the Catalysts for Community Solutions Series met for a Grantmaking Workshop and Funding Selection Luncheon (10/14/14).  This sub-committee of the Leadership Council distributed one grant to the Pottstown Cluster, an agency in Pottstown assisting consumers with basic needs.

Creative MontCo Community Connections Event

The creation of opportunities for the region’s creative community to gather:

• Community Music School Reception (11/18/14)
• SEI Reception and Art Gallery Tours (10/07/14)
• ArtBox Competition Awards Reception (05/03/14)
• Ardmore Music Hall Reception and Concert (04/04/14)

The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. serves as the Fiscal Sponsor and as a member of the executive board of Creative MontCo.  After completing a 10 year plan for Montgomery County, the Foundation is focusing on implementing the results of the Plan along with the other collaborative partners.  The above listed events are directly related to the building of Networks for arts and culture organizations and community members.

Advocates Against Hunger: Focus on Hunger Community Education
A Keynote presentation, music performance and spoken word community event was held at Eisenhower Middle School, Norristown (10/20/14).  The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. is the Fiscal Sponsor and partner in the volunteer community group seeking to educate the community about food insecurity in Montgomery County.  The group also works to enhance the nutrition available to the food cupboards/kitchens and to consumers.

Advocates through a grant secured by the Foundation from Rotary Club of Norristown provided three fresh produce distributions to the low income community of Norristown.  300 people received food at each of those distributions.  With the assistance of the Foundation, the volunteer group also reactivated the Interfaith Agency that had been dormant for years.  In addition there were two educational Saturday morning programs for agencies and the community with topics of importance in the area of hunger and need. 

Community Convenings
A diverse range of regional nonprofit groups meet at the Foundation including Women in Insurance & Financial Services (WIFS), Your Way Home, Advocates Against Hunger and Friends Life Care.

FISCAL SPONSORSHIPS

• Advocates Against Hunger Serving Norristown and Montgomery County
• Creative MontCo
• Montgomery County Commission on Women and Families
• Your Way Home Montgomery County
• Innovations HomeCare
• Montgomery County Health Alliance
• Elder Justice Roundtable

The Foundation is a founding member of the Creative Montco partnership which is currently implementing the recommendations of the 10 year plan that was developed by the partnership to grow the arts and culture assets of the county and to enhance the creative economy.

Advocates Against Hunger is a group of volunteers, agencies, religious organizations and community members as well as the Foundation who are working to enhance the ability of the nutritionally vulnerable to secure food and other services as needed. The Foundation assists with funding and is an active member of the group.

Community Service:

• The Foundation President serves on the Board of Directors of the Montgomery County Estate Planning Council and is the Immediate Past President.
• The Foundation President serves on the Board of Trustees of the Montgomery Bar Foundation.
• The Foundation President serves on the Montgomery Bar Association Community Task Force.
• The Foundation President serves on the Board of Trustees of Friends LifeCare.
• The Foundation President serves as an Ambassador for the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce.
• The Foundation President is a member of the Rotary Club of Norristown.
• The Foundation is a member of the Council on Foundations, WIFS, and Philanthropy Network.

Grants:

• The Foundation provides grants to nonprofits serving arts & culture; human service needs, animal welfare, the environment, and other charitable organizations. The Foundation also provides scholarships from several scholarship funds.
• Grants from the General Distribution funds and Donor Funds provide agencies with an opportunity to apply for operating funds. Scholarship Funds are also granted. Approximately $370,000 was distributed in grants in 2014.
• Challenge grants have been made available to nonprofits that have the capacity to match a grant from our Foundation and our partners. This year’s recipients were Montgomery Child Advocacy Project and Greater Norristown Police Athletic League. Both agencies reached the pre-established goals to receive the match.
• Rotary Club of Norristown Community Impact Committee meets at the Foundation and determines its grants to the community charitable causes using the Foundation’s Grantmaking process. Grants include Advocates Against Hunger, Dictionaries donated to 3rd graders in the low income school districts.
• The Montgomery Bar Foundation provides oversight of the Grantmaking for the Bar Foundation and includes grants to nonprofit organizations providing services allowing those most in need to access justice.
• The Emergency Heating and Cooling Fund provided funds for low income elderly and families for heating oil, furnace repair, air conditioning and electric bills to prevent shut off. 2014 saw grants of approximately $7,000.

New Funds

• The Foundation welcomed new funds, including the Parkhouse Charitable Fund, Joanne Stoll Scholarship Fund, Lucy Belle’s Rainbow Fund, Pottstown Class of 67 Alumni Fund, and Norristown Rotary Club Impact Fund.
• The Foundation also welcomed Philmont Country Club whose members raised funds for Your Way Home in 2014.
• The Montgomery County Commission on Women and Families (the Foundation serves as philanthropic advisor) began a scholarship fund for women and held two events in 2014 where the Foundation provided fiscal sponsorship support for the event and managed the scholarship process.
• Board Members and staff met with six potential donors.
• The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. Legacy Society was launched.
• The Your Way Home Project, (the Foundation is a partner and fiscal sponsor) raised $200,000 to support the project that will transform the Homelessness system.

The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. assists Donors to achieve their Philanthropic Goals through the establishment of Donor Advised Funds, Donor Designated Funds, Scholarship Funds, Field of Interest Funds and through bequests and Planned Giving. The Foundation also serves as a ‘Catalyst for Community Solutions’ by developing and supporting charitable causes.

Special Announcement

Pictured L to R: Virginia Frantz, President & CEO of The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc.; Carol A. Berster, NHA, CASPF, President/CEO of Peter Becker Community; Joseph St. Pedro, Chair of The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc.; Ruth and Merrill Taylor.

The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce a donation from the Taylor Donor Advised Fund, a component fund of the Foundation.  Merrill and Ruth Taylor are pleased to make this donation from their fund to the Peter Becker Community Benevolent Fund that will help to provide care for those whose financial resources have been depleted. The gift will help to provide the security of knowing that those in need have a home for life regardless of their financial situation.

The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 public charity that assists donors to establish funds such as Donor Advised Funds, Field of Interest Funds, Scholarship Funds and other types of Funds like the Foundation’s Community Fund which address issues within communities.  The funds are established with cash, donations, bequests, stocks and other sources of funding.

Welcome to our two new Board Members!

The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. welcomes two new board members.  Cindy Diccianni, RN, ChFC, CSA, CLTC, Financial Advisor, is founder of Diccianni Financial Group, Inc. in East Norriton.  Ms. Diccianni brings expertise in finance, investment, health and human services to the Board.  Dr. Field, North Wales, is the founder and Board Member of Microbiotix. A scientist by education and practice, Dr. Field is passionate about building strong communities and supports multiple non-profit initiatives. Mrs. Diccianni is passionate about her community work and loves the opportunity to see her donations at work. 

The Foundation is a 501(c)3 public charity that works in Montgomery County and surrounding areas to strengthen communities and non-profits while assisting donors to establish funds that will make an impact in the community.

Cindy Diccianni, RN, ChFC, CSA, CLTC	Dr. A. Kirk Field

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INFOLINKPA LINKED TO LIVE CALL CENTER - Dial 211

Infolinkpa links up with a live call center and changes its name to www.211sepa.org.  The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce the successful development and implementation of a regional web based resource directory.  Infolinkpa has now grown to serve countless families and individuals and is now connected to a live call center.  You can now access information about Health and Human Services programs in the five county region in two ways: dial 211 or go online to www.211sepa.org.
 
The Foundation is proud to have developed this service with the collaboration and funding from The North Penn Community Health Foundation and many others.  See the website for additional supporters.

THE MBF CENTER FUND

The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. distributed grants from the MBF Center Fund to the following agencies:

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PHILANTHROPY AND THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CRISIS

The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. has been affected by the economic crisis as has every non-profit that is working in the community. The Foundation is redoubling its efforts to encourage philanthropy. We encourage volunteers, donors, and friends of the Foundation to help open doors and introduce potential supporters to the Foundation.

We ask the donors to explore making challenge or matching gifts to stimulate giving from others and multiply the impact of their gifts. We ask donors to share the latest philanthropic information with friends and colleagues who may not have considered giving. It is more important than ever to assist in strengthening the community.

We ask donors to explore supporting the Foundation's initiatives that support the public and the non-profit community like the Arts & Culture Initiative project, which is a collaborative effort to create a shared county-wide vision that will result in a Development Plan for the future.

The Civic Engagement Project is also an initiative that will provide people 55 years of age and better with opportunities to continue to use their skills in the non-profit communities or the public arena. Both these projects have some grant support but must raise matching dollars from the community in order to achieve their goals.

We will continue to work to increase the visibility of the Foundation and its programs to be ready to assist new donors and current donors in their efforts to achieve their Philanthropic goals.

Remember that The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. can assist donors to achieve their philanthropic goals through planned gifts, wills and bequest, gifts of property and insurance, IRA transfers and permanent endowments. Call 484-532-7387 for detailed information.

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SECOND CHALLENGE GRANT:

Two Montco Foundations Partner Again to Create an Innovative Grant Partnership
"Family and Community Foundation Partnership
Jointly Issue a Challenge Grant for a Local Health Organization"

The Genuardi Family Foundation and The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. announced today that they have again partnered to jointly issue a $15,000 challenge grant to VNA- Community Services, Inc. in Abington. The two Foundations joined resources last year to collaboratively make a challenge to the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, who successfully leveraged the opportunity to cultivate 11 new major gifts, and inspired the creation of a new long-term major gift campaign.

Under the terms of the current challenge, the VNA must raise $15,000 in contributions from individuals, community groups and businesses. The minimum qualifying gift amount will be $1,000, pledged by new donors, donors returning after a lapse, or donors who are significantly increasing their gifts. All funds raised will support the VNA’s general operations. The Foundations' intent is that the VNA will use this as an opportunity to expand its base of donors able to make significant gifts, contributing to the VNA's continued financial stability.

"The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. is interested in addressing significant non-profit issues through the strategic investment of funds to build a stronger non-profit sector," said Virginia Frantz, President and CEO of the community foundation. "This effort- a $15,000 challenge grant that hinges on the VNA raising the matching $15,000- is an unprecedented and creative tool for both foundations to advance their missions. The VNA plays a significant role in Montgomery County. Both foundations feel these grant dollars can assist the VNA in the development of new 'friends' whose substantial and continued support will ensure the VNA's future."

The Genuardi Family Foundation and The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. each are committed to providing strategic support to their community partner organizations, endeavoring to build stronger communities. Virginia Frantz, President & CEO of The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. and Meredith A. Huffman, Executive Director of the Genuardi Family Foundation presented this opportunity to their respective Boards as an innovative approach to improving the long-term fundraising capacity of the VNA, whose nearly century-long service in Montgomery County has earned the organization a reputation of excellence in the provision of health services.

"Our Board was very pleased for the opportunity to once again partner with Montgomery County Foundation to achieve a greater impact with our pooled resources," stated Huffman. "The barriers to collaboration were minor, compared to the potential benefits of this partnership and the outcome to which we aspire: helping the VNA cultivate a pipeline of major supporters. We are excited to be a part of the VNA's fundraising success."

"We are very grateful to the Genuardi Family Foundation and The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. for their confidence in our agency and for this exciting opportunity," stated Richard Cirko, Executive Director of VNA- Community Services. "With their support, as we kick off this special fundraising campaign, we will focus our efforts on educating the community on the valuable services we provide as we continue to enrich the quality of life of those we serve."

About the Genuardi Family Foundation
The Genuardi Family Foundation supports the development of healthy individuals, families and communities by promoting self-sufficiency, hard work and generosity, with a commitment to caring for the most vulnerable in our communities. It was founded in 2001 by members of the third generation of the Genuardi family of Norristown, Pennsylvania, after the sale of Genuardi Family Markets to Safeway, Inc. The Foundation honors the family's cherished legacy of giving to others through its support of non-profit organizations that serve the people and communities that supported the Genuardi family business for 80 years. Additional information is available online at www.GenuardiFamilyFoundation.org.

About The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc.:
The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit community foundation whose purpose is to serve as "a catalyst for community solutions" and to serve as a resource for donors, charitable non-profit agencies and the general public. The Foundation assists donors to establish permanent endowment funds such as donor advised and donor designated funds. Non-profits can establish Agency Endowment Funds. The Foundation also has Issue Funds such as the Hungry and Homeless Fund and other funds that address critical community needs. The Foundation’s direct service projects include the development of the regional web-based health and human services resource directory, www.211sepa.org. Information about The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. can be found at www.mcfoundationinc.org or by calling 610-313-9836.

About VNA Community Services, Inc.:
VNA Community Services, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to meeting the healthcare and social service needs of individuals and families. It has served the residents of Montgomery County for over 93 years and has a focused mission on enhancing, supporting and positively impacting the quality, integrity, and wellbeing of its community. Each year the VNA provides over 50,000 visits to more than 5,700 patients through its In-Home Services Program, Children’s Health Centers, Preschool Screening Program and Personal Navigator Program. VNA Community Services, Inc. has locations at 1421 Highland Avenue in Abington and 1109 DeKalb Pike in Norristown. Additional information about VNA Community Services, Inc., including how to make a gift, can be found at www.vnacs.org or by calling (215) 572-7880

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Springfield Township Rotary Club
On Tuesday March 6, 2012, The Springfield Township Rotary Club welcomed Norristown Rotarian and President and CEO of The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc., Virginia Frantz for an informative presentation about the work of the Foundation. 19 different funds are managed that provide many community needs that include; arts and culture, economic development, education, environment, health and human services and recreation. For more information, their website is: www.mcfoundationinc.org.


(L) 2011-2012 Springfield Rotary President Roseann Nyiri; (R) Virginia Frantz, President & CEO of the Montgomery County Foundation, Inc.

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HOUSING FIRST PROJECT UPDATE JANUARY 2012
The Housing First Project is a pilot program that takes a new look at how the homeless or ‘at risk’ for homelessness families traverse the system as it is traditionally. The new pilot project model is designed to demonstrate the new steps to housing and housing stability. Fifteen (15) households are taking part in this project and to date 8 households have been successfully stabilized. Significant in this process is the speed at which stabilization occurred and the cost savings to accomplish these goals. Stay tuned for additional results as the project moves forward.

Russell Johnson, President & CEO of the North Penn Community Health Foundation is the leader and major funder of this project. Kathy Phifer, Director of Montgomery County Housing and Community Development is also a partner. The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. is the grant manager for the project.

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SHIRLEY SCHRIFTMAN FUND FOR ANIMALS
The Foundation welcomes the Shirley Schriftman Fund for Animals established to honor the memory of Shirley Schriftman. This fund will continue her legacy as a person with a deep concern about the welfare of animals. There were so many achievements and so many interests to which she made commitments. This permanent endowment fund will further just one of the important causes in her life. Ross Schriftman, her devoted son, has established this Donor Advised Fund.

The Fund gave grants to three organizations this year: Francisvale Home for Smaller Animals, Main Line Animal Rescue, Inc. and Spay and Save, Inc.

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THE MBF CENTER FUND

The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. distributed grants from the MBF Center Fund to the following agencies:

Adults with Developmental Disabilities	$3,000
Creating Increased Connections/RHD	$5,000
Hedwig House, Inc.	$6,000
Indian Creek Foundation	$3,251

The MBF Center was founded by Mary Ann Flanigan with the mission of providing quality services for persons with disabilities. The Organization provided education, career and employment assistance to individuals with severe disabilities. The MBF Center FUND was established to carry that mission forward by funding organizations that empower individuals with disabilities to lead independent and productive lives by providing training that will assist adult individuals to prepare for, achieve and maintain employment. The Fund is managed by the Montgomery County Foundation, Inc.

The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. is a public charity as described in Section 502(c)(3) of the IRS. Gifts to a public charity, unlike gifts to a private foundation, have the benefit of the maximum charitable deduction permitted under current laws. Gifts to funds are fully deductible to the extent allowable by law.

This fund also accepts donations from the public who support the efforts to provide employment services/training for those with disabilities. Send your donations made payable to: The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc., 2 W. Lafayette Street, Suite 120, Norristown, PA 19401. Please include "MBF Center Fund" on the memo line or attach a note indicating the fund as recipient of your donation.