Peabody Community Fund meeting planned
An informational meeting regarding the Peabody Community Fund is set for 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Peabody Elementary School cafeteria.
The meeting is designed to get information to the public on the purpose and need for a foundation in a small community, what a foundation can do, and how members of the public can be part of the process.
A meal will be served first, with the meeting following. Those wishing to attend must reserve a space by contacting Janet Hamous at 983-2438.
What is the Peabody Community Fund?
The Peabody Community Fund is a local foundation established to assist and maintain local programs for the community.
The foundation will establish funds for just about any purpose and manage those contributions for the sole purpose of furthering the community and its needs. Any person or group can establish a special fund of their choice or can contribute to the general fund which will give grants to needy activities within the community.
Some of the main areas of focus are:
— Main Street — This organization is striving to keep the town alive and growing. Currently, the group is working on a strategic plan for town growth and preservation.
— Historical Society — This group is working toward keeping the history of Peabody alive. They still are maintaining the museum and giving talks about the community and the surrounding area. The group is active with the recreation of area history.
— USD #398 — The school is part of the foundation with the hopes of soliciting funds for special projects and activities. The school would like to be able to offer grants to teachers who have special projects that can enhance the education of local students. Enhancement grants would be available to all teachers to help with projects that are not covered under the regular budget. There also is a project fund that will be used sparingly to assist with special building projects that need assistance for completing.
The Community Foundation has many options including scholarships for schools, or camps and other special areas.
The community fund was established to provide a service to the community and has the flexibility to do a wide variety of things with gifts. The community fund also can assist with the development of a trust document or modifying an existing trust to include the Peabody Community Fund.
The foundation encourages people to check out the Peabody Community Fund as they think about yearly giving or when working through a will or trust document. The foundation can assist with those items.
Anything set up through the Community Fund is a tax free contribution for you or your trust.
For more information, call Nelson Patton, chairman, at (620) 983-2798 or Thomas Alstrom, school superintendent, at (620) 983-2758.
