The Powell County Community Foundation is accepting grant applications from non-profits throughout Powell County. The PCF awards grants, usually ranging from $500 to $1,200 for charitable purposes in the following focus areas: basic human needs, arts and culture, recreation and economic development. The application deadline is Friday, Sept. 7.
The short application form is available by writing to the PCF at P.O. Box 834, Deer Lodge, 59722, or by contacting board members Kirk Sandquist, Steve Owens, Mary Ann Fraley, Claudia Dippold, Cheryl Sandquist or Gerald Bender in Deer Lodge, or leaving a message at 406-846-3413. Because of IRS regulations all applicants must be a 501(c)3 non-profit with an IRS letter, or a public agency.
Since it was established in 1999 the Powell County Foundation has awarded over $182,000 in 172 grants to over 50 different organizations serving Powell County residents. In 2017 the Foundation had over $16,797 in requests and was able to provide $14,769 in 16 grants, helping projects ranging from $729 for the Powell County Senior Center for equipment, $3,000 for the Deer Lodge Food Pantry, $500 to the Ovando School Cultural Enrichment Committee toward a part-time art teacher, and help for other organizations including the Garrison School, Powell County Ambulance, Kohrs Library, Rising Star Academy and Powell County Literacy Program. Many of these grants have been funded by money brought in from outside the county to supplement endowment earnings.
The foundation has built a permanent endowment of about $161,000 and uses the earnings from the endowment for grants, while the principal remains intact. The endowment grows with donations, memorials, bequests and other planned gifts. Since July 2017, 23 donors have contributed over $2,245 to the endowment. The PCF is affiliated with the statewide Montana Community Foundation and the local board makes all the grant decisions. Many types of planned gifts for the permanent endowment can be eligible for Montana’s unique Endowment Tax Credit. Inquiries and donations to help build the endowment can also be directed to P.O. Box 834, Deer Lodge, 59722.
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