Dear Fellow Supporters,
As our term comes to an end, we
would like to begin by saying thank you to each donor, sponsor
and volunteer who helped the
Community Chest help others
for the past 60 years. Your commitment to supporting local
need is what makes this organization so effective and unique.
We are pleased to share with you the highlights of the past
year: We exceeded our campaign goal of $620,000; our allocations
process identified and voted 35 agency grants totaling $515,625;
our Millennium Fund reached over $1.0 million in assets and
the board authorized a new donor vehicle, called Field of
Interest Funds. Additionally, the board and staff have been
hard at work not only supporting the traditional fundraising
and grant-making business of the Chest, but also evaluating
the longer-term strategic issues of development and marketing.
The board has devoted much of its energy this year to addressing
the changing philanthropic environment and donor requests
for greater flexibility in giving, culminating in a five-hour
retreat earlier in 2007. We began by evaluating community
foundations, which can require significant infrastructure
and expense initially, to then looking at specific donor
instruments that can be offered under our current structure
and with minimal additional expense. After a lot of hard
work, the board voted to offer Field of Interest Funds.
Field
of Interest Funds target specific areas of support, both
inside our traditional human services area and outside as
well. The funds will be donor driven and have a minimum of
$10,000 and a life of 1 to 3 years. These funds will fill
the gap for projects that fit outside our annual allocations
process and/or outside human services. We view this as a
significant step toward meeting the needs of donors as well
as organizations in town that require help. Given our long
history of meeting known and unknown needs in Concord and
Carlisle, we feel the Chest and our new Field of Interest
Funds are the most effective way to bring donors and non-profits
together. We welcome current and new donors to these funds
and look forward to supporting new and existing non-profits.
In other areas of business, our Challenge triathlon event
was quite successful, with 31 teams competing and raising
nearly $30,000. In 2008, we are looking forward to our 7th
Auction gala – mark your calendars for April 5th. We
welcome the Chest’s next president, Amy Newell, as
well as five new board members.
Both of us have had a wonderful
and exciting year and we look forward to active roles as
Overseers. With our new Field of Interest Funds we want to
make sure you know we never intend to lose our focus on the
importance of the annual campaign and want to reiterate that
every donation really does make a difference.
Thank you for
your continuing support,
Patti Satterthwaite and Kate Tomkinson
Co-Presidents, Board
of Directors
Annual
Campaign
Each year from October 1 through December
31 the Community Chest conducts an Annual campaign that
is the foundation of the funding we provide member agencies.
By far, our most significant source of revenue is direct
contributions from residents of Concord and Carlisle. During
our most recent Annual Campaign, 23 percent of all households
made a contribution.
You can participate in this years Community
Campaign by printing
out a contribution form or by calling 978 369-5250.
Work
Place Giving
Many residents contribute via donations at
work through a United Way (our United Way code is 339988)
or other workplace-giving program. The Community Chest
also receives contributions from members of our Business
Alliance. These local businesses participate through direct
gifts, special events and in-kind services. Beyond the
annual campaign, there are additional opportunities to
invest in the work of the Concord-Carlisle Community Chest
and our member agencies. For more information about how
to make a difference in your town, contact the Community
Chest at 978-369-5250.
Millennium
Fund
The Millennium Fund was established in 2000
to stabilize annual allocation spending and ensure the
long-term preservation of the Community Chest. In years
when annual fundraising can not meet agency requests, the
Board of Directors may draw upon a portion of the Millennium
Fund. Over time income generated by the fund will be used
to support Community Chest operations, ensuring that an
ever-greater proportion of annual campaign funds goes directly
to member organizations.
To find out more about planned giving and contributing
to the Cornerstone and Millennium funds, please contact
the Community Chest office at 978-369-5250.
Cornerstone
Fund
The Cornerstone Fund was established in 1995
as a source of investment/venture capital grants to human
service organizations. The Board of Directors awards grants
to address immediate needs, for one-time projects, and
innovative initiatives. In the past Cornerstone funding
has supported:
A gift to the Cornerstone fund can be directed to a specific project or
will be available for future initiatives.
Stock Contributions
We welcome gifts of appreciated stock as
a vehicle to reduce your taxes and provide a significant
donation to the Community Chest. Benefits to you are avoidance
of capital gains tax and the current value of the stock
can be deducted as a charitable contribution.
Contact your
broker to transfer stock to our account at
DTC #0201 (code 40), Broker:
A.G. Edwards,
Community Chest Account
# 2168-4765
Tax ID# 04-2157042
Spring Fundraising
The Community Chest hosts
two special fundraising events:
An Auction and Dinner will be held on April
5, 2008
in Concord. The gala fundraiser will include hors d'oeuvres,
open bar, dinner and a live and silent auction. Tickets
will be available in early 2008.
The Community Chest Challenge on Sunday morning June 1, 2008
is a team triathlon for athletes of all abilities that includes biking, running,
and canoeing. Contact
us if you would like to put together a team or volunteer at the event.