Memorial Day Provides Opportunity to Remember Loved Ones, Give Back

UTICA, NY – We take special care to remember our loved ones and veterans each Memorial Day. These people shaped our lives, communities and nation, and we reflect on this in many ways, from planting flowers to attending 21-gun salutes. Employees of The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties have noticed another way that people memorialize their loved ones.

“We know that we live in a very generous community. Nevertheless, I am always humbled by the number of tribute gifts we receive during holidays, birthdays and anniversaries,” said Foundation President & CEO Peggy O’Shea. She continued, “Many of these donors feel that because flowers fade and moments pass, gifts in honor or in memory of family, friends and members of the military provide a more lasting effect. They believe that giving back to the community is a true tribute. We have one donor who makes a gift to The Foundation’s ‘Greatest Generation Fund’ every time a local World War II veteran passes away. He is honoring their service by strengthening a fund that will specifically benefit generations of veterans to come.”

Many people give directly to not-for-profit organizations that provide programs and services, but giving to foundations is growing in popularity. Community foundations pool donations and then use a manager to invest and grow the fund pool. Foundations do not spend the principle of this money, only the income it generates in order to grow their endowment. This process preserves the organization’s viability in perpetuity, while allowing the foundation to make grants to legitimate and qualified not-for-profit organizations.

The Community Foundation has made more than 4,300 grants totaling over $34.3 million in support of causes ranging from education to health care, the arts to the environment. Grants are generated by the more than 270 funds that comprise The Foundation’s endowment, established and advanced by area individuals and families.

For more information about The Community Foundation, call 315-735-8212 or visit www.foundationhoc.org.

Memorial Day Provides Opportunity to Remember Loved Ones, Give Back

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