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Guest column: It's never too late to donate to perpetual fund

June 13 marks the first anniversary of existence for the Greater Williams Community Fund (GCWF). It has been a productive year with contributions and pledges totaling approximately $113,000.

This project was initiated through the enthusiastic efforts of Chuck and Linda Eaton who have sponsored the Kevin Twitty Golf Tournament for the past two years in memory of their son. Half of the proceeds from the 2005 golf tournament were donated to the GWCF giving the fund a healthy start and along with business and individual doners brought us to this point today. The Eatons formed a steering committee with interested local residents and with the help of the Regional Director for The Arizona Community Foundation, worked to identify need within the greater Williams area and created the following mission statement: "To advance a culture of community giving, and build the financial capacity neccessary to provide support in perpetuity for vital local programs that address the ever-changing needs of a vibrant greater Williams community."

Basically we (the donors) have opened a savings account for the community that will bear interest dollars every year to benefit community service groups thus allowing them to provide service and ease the burden of continual fund raising. Every dollar we give today will be bearing interest and supporting the community long after we're gone. What a powerful legacy to leave.

Our association with the Arizona Community Foundatation allows our money to be professionally managed while keeping administration costs low. For 2004 the annual return on the investment pool was greater than 10 percent. Administration costs run around 3 percent; much lower than many other non-profit fund raising agencies which may run as high as 18 percent. Five percent is allowed for grants and any surplus after administration expences continues to grow the fund.

Interest dollars are returned to the community in the form of grants. For 2005 we have just under $4,000 dollars available. The GWCF Steering Committee hopes to have a permanent board in place by late summer and begin taking applications this fall from community service grouips. Eligibility for grants requires a 501c3 tax status. Since this is the first year offering the grants, a training session is planned for applicants and will be announced at a later date.

Donors who make contributions of $500 or greater before June 30 will have their names or businesses listed on the Founders Plaque. Those who have pledges oustanding are asked to submit them as soon as possible if they want their names to appear as well. All level of donations are welcome and important to making this a true community fund.

While altruism is the best reason for giving there are tax incentives to be gained as well.

For those itemizing deductions, contributions to the GWCF qualify, and you will recieve end of year statements to include with your return. Donors interested in legacy gifts may wish to speak with their financial advisors and learn how their contributions may be structured to meet their goals. Contributions may be in forms other than cash. Stocks, real estate and bequests are just a few of the options available, some resrtrictions may apply.

As new members of the Williams Chamber of Commerce the GWCF will be hosting a Chamber Mixer on June 23 to celebrate the first year of the fund's existence. Steering committee members will be serving up picnic fare as well as information about the fund.

In September the GWCF along with Habitat members, will assist the Eaton family in putting on the 3rd annual Kevin Twitty Memorial Golf Tournament. Proceeds from this event will be donated to both groups. The community is encouraged to sign up to play golf or work the event as both types of contributions are equally important.

For more information on the fund and upcoming events please call 635-2472 or the Arizona Community Foundation's regional Director at 928-526-1956. Donations may be mailed to: Greater Williams Community Fund, P.O. Box 11, Williams, AZ 86046-0011.

On behalf of the entire GWCF Steering Committee I thank all our contributers who have shown the foresight to provide for their community on a perpetual basis.


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