By Susan Shinn
Salisbury Post
There are more needs than any foundation could ever fill.
That’s why trustees of some nearly two dozen local charitable foundations are so careful and thoughtful with the money that they do disburse.
“We get so many applications now, there’s just no way to fund everything,” says Paul Woodson, president of the Woodson Foundation. “We work harder at trying to figure out where to put the money. It’s a blessing to do it, but you want to make sure you do everything right.”
Families or community groups may set up foundations, usually for a combination of altruism and tax-related purposes. Nonprofit charitable foundations are established under IRS laws to promote charitable giving and disburse funds.”There’s a terrific amount of stewardship and plain ol’ responsibility,” says David Setzer, executive director of the Robertson Foundation.
Applicants seeking funding should be aware of several general rules governing foundations.
n No grants to individuals.
n No grants to churches.
n No grants for partisan political programs.
Applicants should also be aware how much money is available from a foundation each year, and make their requests accordingly.
The three most visible foundations in Salisbury ó Proctor, Robertson and Woodson ó are also geographically restricted, meaning most of the money is given to be used in Rowan County.
The more specific an application can be, the better.
“Is there a specific need being addressed through these funds requested?” Setzer says.
As an example, he uses a request by Meals on Wheels to expand one of its routes, thereby serving more people.
“That’s as good as you’ll get because all the elements are there,” Setzer says.
The request serves a need in the community and produces measurable results.
When worthy organizations with good track records make reasonable requests, he says, “you’ve got a good situation.”
“Some programs would not exist if not for foundations,” says Ed Norvell, president of the Proctor Foundation.
“I really look for a little heart, plus a track record and them being good stewards of money,” says Patsy Rendleman, who serves as president of Salisbury Community Foundation and is also on the Proctor board.
“It takes knowing the community,” Norvell points out. “Our foundation funds groups that are well-established.”
That’s not to say start-up groups don’t have an opportunity for funding.
“We give very small gifts for start-ups,” Woodson says.
If a group from a church wants to spin off a program to serve the community, for example, that’s appealing, Setzer says. “That’s gratifying. That’s money well spent.”
Through his work as a fund-raiser, Norvell has seen a giving spirit in Salisbury.
“People think every other town is like Salisbury,” he says. “It’s not. Its giving spirit is not what we should take for granted.”
Mayor Susan Kluttz agrees.
“We’re very different from most communities,” she says. “We have so many generous individuals and foundations that give so much. It’s more benefit than tax dollars can ever pay for.”
“It’s how we survive,” says Kaye Brown Hirst, executive director of Rowan Museum.
Foundations don’t do it all. Setzer points out that Fred Stanback Jr. and Ralph Ketner are two of the community’s leading philanthropists.
“Their gifts have made the difference in many areas, and to many organizations,” he says.
“All of these folks are interested in the community and building up the community,” Setzer adds. “That’s why money is given out, to continue this community. It’s as simple as that.”
nnn
Contact Susan Shinn at 704-797-4289 or sshinn@salisburypost.com.