The Montgomery County Foundation

About the Foundation

Charitable IRA Tax Break

Nonproft Clinic

Grant Application Guidelines

MBF Center Fund Grant Opportunity

Scholarships

Donor Services

Donor Funds

The Emergency Heating & Cooling Fund

Your Way Home

Economics of
Caregiving Report

Civic Engagement

Research Study

Financial Information

Location

CONGRATULATIONS to the
MONTGOMERY COUNTY FOUNDATION, INC.
Appointed to the
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ADVISORY GROUP
of the Council on Foundations

The Council team knows well that community foundations are not a monolith. The scope of community philanthropy captures not just foundations of different sizes and ideologies, but also vastly different missions. This diversity means that in order to represent your collective interests, it's not enough just to solicit piecemeal feedback. We recognized the tremendous benefit of having a group of seasoned professionals to continually help steward our work in support of community philanthropy.

Established this month, our Community Foundation Advisory Group provides a new mechanism for community foundation leaders tocollaboratively influence the Council's programs, resources, and services for community foundations, which represent the largest segment of Council membership (more than 40 percent!). This year's advisory group will be co-chaired by Kristi Knous, President of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, and Heather Peeler, President and CEO of ACT for Alexandria.

The rigorous selection process for this group fielded nearly 50 applications of extraordinary quality for a final cohort of 15 leaders. We were intentional in our selection process to ensure broad representation across multiple dimensions of diversity and to establish a group that embodies the many ways in which community foundations and communities served are different. Our goal was to help ensure an equitable approach to the design of our community philanthropy work- including but not limited to our 2023 in-person conference, Leading Locally: The Power of Place-Based and Community Philanthropy. I'm excited to witness the ideas that this group will develop and see how they nurture the Council community in new and exciting ways.

The SECURE Act: What Does It Mean for Your IRAs?

Most people rely on IRAs or 401(k) plans to take them through their retirement. With a goal of enhancing security for a growing population that's living longer than ever before, Congress passed the first major piece of retirement legislation in more than a decade. The SECURE Act, which took effect on January 1, 2020, does several things that will affect your ability to save money for retirement and influence how you use those funds over time, including charitable giving. Click here to read an article by David J Toll, Senior Associate Vice President of Planned Giving at Drexel University, which provides valuable information about the SECURE Act, what it could mean for your retirement and new opportunities for charitable giving!

The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. honors Audubon couple with 2019 Critical Impact Award on National Philanthropy Day, to be presented at the Foundation’s Women and Leadership Forum.

Nanette and Kary LaFors have led “Advocates Against Hunger” to alleviate food insecurity in Montgomery County, and "Living Waters" to bring clean water to developing areas globally.

Blue Bell, PA- The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. is pleased to be honoring Nanette and Kary LaFors with its 2019 Critical Impact Award for their efforts locally- and globally- to make a positive and meaningful difference in the community. The award is being announced to coincide with National Philanthropy Day, observed on November 15, which celebrates the extraordinary people who give generously of their time and resources to help people in need and improve lives. The award will be presented to Nanette and Kary on December 4 at the Foundation’s 2019 Women and Leadership Forum to be held at the Presidential in East Norriton, PA.

Nanette co-founded "Advocates Against Hunger" in 2008, with a mission to increase the visibility of food insecurity, and support and coordinate programs to address this important issue. Serving Montgomery County, Advocates promotes community dialogue on hunger and nutrition with the purpose of sustaining and improving delivery of food and nutrition to the poor, educating the community, increasing volunteer participation and increasing resources. Advocates works with soup kitchens and pantries to define needs, support cooperation and promote best practices. They are one of the representatives to the MAHN (MontCo Anti-Hunger Network).

"We are so pleased to be presenting the Critical Impact Award award to Nanette and Kary. The award celebrates the philanthropic impact of an individual or business that has made a significant difference in the lives of people through volunteering," said Virginia Frantz, president and CEO, The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. "Criteria for this award include programs that have directly impacted people, programs that serve as a model, that partner with others and exhibit a sustained level of commitment. Nanette and Kary certainly well meet and surpass all these criteria through their exemplary efforts to improve and lift the human condition, not just here in Montgomery County, but all over the world."

Key initiatives of Advocates Against Hunger:

Organized nineteen Fresh Produce Markets, each of which served on average 250 families with over 150 cases of fresh produce using 55 volunteers from 13 different organizations. Partnered with Einstein Hospital to provide health and nutrition discussion and documents at the markets.
Coordinated teams of volunteers to collect frozen donations from six Wawa stores and have them delivered to six Norristown organizations five days a week.
Organized teams to accept fresh produce every Monday from Philabundance at the Norristown Hub. This produce is provided to over 150 families two times a month whose children attend three pre-schools in Norristown.
Organized the Montgomery County Interfaith Coalition with partners like Montgomery County Foundation, Inc., Montgomery County Health and Human services and Lower Providence Presbyterian Church. The Coalition brings together members of the faith community to work with the County to better identify the needs of the residents and improve ways to meet them.

In addition to their efforts to alleviate hunger in Montgomery County, Nanette and Kary have worked with "Living Waters for the World" to organize and lead international mission trips to Peru, India, Cuba and Kenya to install nine clean water systems for local communities. Each of these systems provides clean water for approximately 800 people. At one location the rate of water borne illness for children five years old and under was reduced by 90 percent.

"We both were most fortunate to have benefited from our great country’s prosperity. Volunteering is a way to give back to the community and to say thank you for all the wonderful blessings we have received in our lives,” said Nanette and Kary LaFors. “We are committed to making opportunities available for others, particularly, those in need. It is a blessing for us to partner with so many outstanding, caring people who work together to improve peoples' lives."

The award will be presented to Kary and Nanette LaFors on December 4 at the Foundation’s 2019 Women and Leadership Forum: Taking Charge of Change at the Presidential in East Norriton, PA, which is open to the community. Registration and details are available at www.mcfoundationinc.org/specialevents

Alma R. Jacobs

July 27, 1924 - July 24, 2019

All of us have lost a very special person. Alma Jacobs was a friend and mentor to women, a powerhouse in politics, in policy, and in community activities. Her most recent activity was as chairperson of our Women’s Leadership Council here at the Foundation and the Foundation’s first Woman of Distinction recipient in 2014. I am lucky to have known her and the Foundation is grateful for her support now and in the past. To read the full bio, please click on the link below:
Alma R. Jacobs' Bio.

CARSON SCHOLARSHIP FUND RECIPIENT CHOSEN – 2019-2020

Patricia Lynn Poley

Carson Sholarship Fund Recipient

PATRICIA LYNN POLEY, a recent graduate from Norristown Area School District has been chosen to receive the Carson S.T.E.M. Scholarship of $10,000. Poley has been accepted into the Bucknell University College of Biomedical Engineering.
"I want to give back to the Norristown community that has given me all the opportunities that I now have".

We wish Patricia Lynn Poley a successful year!

The Carson Scholarship is administered by The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. The Scholarship may be renewed based on eligibility availability of funds for up to a total of four years.

CENSUS 2020

All of us can play a critical role in reaching the communities we serve. Help to support the goal of a complete and accurate count by explaining to your community and stakeholders why the census is important to all of us. Data from the census provide the basis for distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to communities across the country to support vital programs that impact housing, transportation, employment, health care, and public policy. For more information on the census visit census.gov.

A LOOK BACK AT 2018
Your Community Foundation at Work, Building Bridges!

EVENTS/CONVENINGS

2018 Women and Leadership Forum:
Creating Intentional, Professional Relationships!

The 2018 Women and Leadership Forum drew a wide spectrum of current and aspiring leaders throughout the region and was held at The Presidential in East Norriton on December 6 (8:00am-2:30pm). The event was hosted by The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. Women's Leadership Council, led by Honorary Chairperson, Alma R. Jacobs. The Council represents women of diverse backgrounds who support the work of the Foundation.

The program featured two keynote speakers who presented on "Mentors & Sponsors: Developing Your Personal Advisory Board" and "How to Be Happy at Work: The Power of Purpose, Hope and Friendship". There was also a Panel Discussion on "Using Your Leadership Skills to Deepen Your Corporate Partnerships", which was moderated by Tracy Davidson of NBC10 News Today. The morning program was followed by a luncheon, which included the presentation of the 2018 MCF, Inc. Woman of Distinction Award. This prestigious award was shared by the mother/daughter duo of Kathy McGee Burns (Berkshire Hathaway Fox Roach Realtors)and the Honorable Kelly C. Wall (Montgomery County Family Court).

The number of registered attendees was 233 and all present received an autographed copy of the book- "How to Be Happy at Work: The Power of Purpose, Hope and Friendship" by Annie McKee, as a gift from the Foundation. Forum registrants will have the opportunity to attend two, free, follow-up workshops on March 20 and May 16, 2019.

In addition to multiple, promotional emails, the Forum was promoted by both a Public Service Announcement on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT's Women to Watch program and via a live interview on NBC10 News with representatives from the Foundation.

Nonprofit Clinic Workshops 2018

Financial Health and Social Good: Steering Nonprofits Through Uncharted Waters
Business and Professional Coaching Model for Nonprofit Leaders
The Largest Financial Hurdles Facing the Nonprofit Sector
Nonprofit Social Enterprise: How to Generate Earned Income to Fuel Your Charitable Mission
Developing Leadership at Every Level
Introduction to the Regional Foundation Center
Getting the Right People in the Right Seats on Your Board: Recruitment Tool Kit and a Focus on Diversity
An Introduction to Legal Issues in Charitable Fundraising

The larger community is welcome to benefit from the Foundation’s training spaces and Boardrooms. A total of 672 individuals, ranging from various grassroots and nonprofit organizations to the Foundation’s fiscal sponsee groups, convened at the Foundation’s office in 2018 for everything from board meetings to strategic planning sessions.

FISCAL SPONSORSHIPS

The Foundation is the Fiscal Sponsor for Advocates Against Hunger of Norristown and Montgomery County, 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 below are Advocates Against Hunger and community members volunteering at a Fresh Produce Market at the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library, focused on providing free fruit and vegetables and supportive services information to those experiencing food insecurity. The Foundation and the Rotary Club of Norristown provided funding for the fresh produce. In 2018, Advocates Against Hunger completed a comprehensive strategic planning process that will strengthen their impact in the community.

The Foundation is also Fiscal Sponsor and Advisory Council Member of Your Way Home Montgomery County whose mission is to make the experience of homelessness in Montgomery County rare, brief and non-recurring. Since launching in 2014, homelessness in Montgomery County has been reduced by 37%, as a result of this strong public-private partnership.

The Foundation’s Fiscal Sponsorships in 2018 included:

Advocates Against Hunger
Elder Access to Justice Roundtable
Montgomery County Commission on Women and Families
Montgomery County Health Alliance
Montgomery County System of Care Community Fund
Rotary Club of Norristown Community Impact Fund
Your Way Home Montgomery County

COMMUNITY SERVICE

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

A diverse spectrum of regional nonprofit groups meet at the Foundation including, Advocates Against Hunger, Friends LifeCare and Your Way Home.
The Foundation President is a member of the Montgomery County Estate Planning Council and is a recent Past President.
The Foundation President serves 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 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 (Women in Insurance and Financial Services) – Philadelphia/Tri-County Chapter, and Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia.
The Foundation President received the Montgomery County Community College 2018 Leading Women's Woman of the Year Award.
The Foundation President serves as Chair of the Your Way Home Advisory Council.
The Foundation was a partner in the Bucks-Mont Collaborativeseminar for professionals in the health and human services fields which featured keynote speaker Leslie R. Crutchfield, author of “How Change Happens: Why Some Social Movements Succeed While Others Don’t”. Over 250 professionals attended.

NEWLY ESTABLISHED FUNDS

Welcome to Nya’s Smile Fund for Children with Autism
Welcome to Cole Manor Children’s Clothing Fund
Welcome to The Susan K. Howard and Gene R. Frank Donor Advised Fund
Welcome to Crawford Memorial Fund
The Foundation thanks the new Legacy Donors, who have established gifts to the Foundation in their wills.

GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

The Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations focused on arts and culture, human services, animal welfare, the environment and other charitable missions.

In 2018, the Foundation awarded grants from the Foundation’s General Distribution Fund for general operating support to the following organizations:

ACLAMO Family Center
Breathing Room Foundation
Genesis Housing Corporation
HealthLink Dental Clinic
Montgomery Theater
North Wales Area Library
Salvation Army Pottstown
Sebastian Riding Associates
Senior Adult Activities Center of Montgomery County
Spring Ford Counseling Services
TriCounty Active Adult Center
Victim Services Center of Montgomery County

The MBF Center Fund supports organizations that empower individuals with disabilities to lead independent and productive lives. In 2018 the Foundation awarded grants to the following organizations:

Hedwig House
JEVS Human Services
KenCrest Centers
Pathway School
Variety – The Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley

The Rotary Club of Norristown Community Impact Committee meets at the Foundation for the purpose of determining its grants to community charitable causes, using the Foundation’s grantmaking process. The Foundation provides grantmaking assistance for the Montgomery Bar Foundation, which focuses on support to nonprofit organizations providing services for those most in need of access to justice.

The Foundation’s Emergency Heating and Cooling Fund provides support for low-income elderly and families for heating oil, furnace repair, air conditioning and the covering of an electric bill in order to prevent service shut-off. Recipients are chosen for eligibility by the Montgomery County Office of Aging & Adult Services and the Foundation.

The Your Way Home Montgomery County Field of Interest Fund supports housing stability, economic security and health of people experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness in Montgomery County.

The Foundation partnered for a fourth year with the Philmont Country Club Members Fund whose members raised funds for the Philmont Country Club Veterans Project which included a $5,000 grant to assist with funding to transport veterans to cross-county medical appointments, in the van purchased in 2017 with a grant from this fund.

The RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve Charitable Fund supported three nonprofit organizations in 2018 – Access Services, Daily Bread Community Food Pantry and Spring Valley and Phoenixville YMCA.

An anonymous donor provided a donation to the Foundation for ten nonprofit organizations. Grants were provided year-end 2018.

The Shirley Schriftman Fund for Animals focused on animal rescue and services.

Lucy Belle’s Rainbow Donor Advised Fund made a grant to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia focused on facilitating and promoting therapeutic activities for children living with cancer and supporting brain cancer research.

The Meredith Anne Huffman Fund supports organizations and leaders that are working to connect ideas, people, and efforts toward the greater good with a focus on advancing social justice and women’s resources.

The Foundation also awards scholarships from several scholarship funds:

The Norristown Area High School Star Scholarship is a scholarship program created by the Roebuck Family Fund and administered by the Foundation. Applicants must be either a graduating Norristown Area High School (NAHS) senior student or an NAHS graduate. Grants are awarded based on financial need and an academic performance of at least a 2.5 GPA. Twenty-four students received scholarships totaling $52,239.
A scholarship program created by the Carson Scholarship Fund, established by John and Betty Carson and administered by the Foundation, is limited to NAHS graduating high school seniors, with a curriculum focused on students in the STEM field, who have been accepted to an accredited four-year college and will be studying STEM. The 2018 recipient was Quinton M. Turner and the scholarship amount was $10,000. In addition, the 2017 recipient, (Steven) Yong Xiang Lin received a second year award of $10,000.

The Edward H. Snow Scholarship Fund is administered by the Foundation and applies to Lower Merion and Harriton High School seniors preparing to graduate who are seeking financial aid to complete their education at a two or four-year accredited college and are fully matriculated. Four students each received a $4,500 scholarship.
The Marie N. Hansen Scholarship Fund is administered by the Foundation and applies to a graduating senior at a Montgomery County High School and a Montgomery County resident, for at least one year, who will complete their education at a two or four-year accredited college and are fully matriculated. Two students each received a $1,500 scholarship.
The Montgomery County Commission on Women and Families, for which the Foundation serves as Philanthropic Advisor and Fiscal Sponsor, held its annual event for 137 women focused on “Nevertheless, She Persisted: Honoring Women Who Fight All Forms of Discrimination Against Women”. The proceeds of the event supported the work of the Commission and scholarships. Three women each received a $1,000 scholarship.

INITATIVES

The Montgomery County Report on the Status of Women
The Foundation has focused wide-ranging attention on the challenges and opportunities related to women and leadership the past several years. In 2017, the Foundation’s Board of Directors decided that the timing was ideal to undertake a comprehensive, strategic study of the status of women in the county. This groundbreaking project, will provide an invaluable baseline analysis directed at the enhanced status and well-being of women throughout the County. Public launches of the results are planned for early 2019.

Women’s Executive Directors’ Roundtable
This acclaimed pilot project was created in response to The 74% Initiative: A Conversation About Women in the Nonprofit Workplace event presented in December 2014 by the Foundation. Now in its fifth highly successful year, the Roundtable provides an invaluable opportunity for a diverse group of women executive directors to raise and address issues related to women in leadership within the region's nonprofit sector within a confidential, vigorous, facilitated setting. Please visit the Foundation’s website at www.mcfoundationinc.org (Women and Leadership tab) for access to the Roundtable White Paper.

The PHILO Project
The Foundation provided grants in support of the production of professional, promotional videos by The PHILO Project for two additional Montgomery County nonprofit organizations. In 2018, promotional videos were created for Greener Partners (www.greenerpartners.org) and Sebastian Riding Associates (www.sebastianriding.org)

The Women’s Fund
The groundwork was put in place in 2016 for the launch of a fund focused on the philanthropic efforts of a group of women who will join together to make a measurable impact on the nonprofit community and to enhance the quality of life in Montgomery County. The Foundation will begin seeking 15 founding members in 2019.

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.

CARSON SCHOLARSHIP FUND RECIPIENT CHOSEN – 2018-2019

QUINTON TURNER , a recent graduate from Norristown Area School District has been chosen to receive the Carson S.T.E.M. Scholarship of $10,000. Turner has been accepted into the Santa Clara University School of Engineering.

Turner credits his parents for pushing him to achieve beyond his limits and his goal is to use his education to give back to his community and to guide the next generation of aspiring engineers.

We wish Quinton Turner a successful year!

The Carson Scholarship is administered by The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. The Scholarship may be renewed based on eligibility availability of funds for up to a total of four years.