‘A Special Moment for Bedford County’
The Bedford County Community Fund, an endowment established to respond to diverse and evolving needs in Bedford County forever, has achieved a historic turning point. Individuals from across the county responded to a special appeal this holiday season to achieve and exceed a critical $100,000 milestone. Members of the Bedford County Advisory Board and Bedford County Endowments Director Dina McGee made the announcement at the county courthouse on Tuesday.
“We are so appreciative of everyone who decided to give—from $25 up to $10,000—to help our community, though I can’t say I’m surprised,” McGee said. “Bedford County people look after their neighbors. It’s something I’ve always loved about where we live.”
The money will stay here in Bedford County and it will be here forever.
~ John Blackburn III, CFA board member and Bedford County Advisory Committee member
The fund principal has reached more than $105,000, so annual grantmaking can begin this year. The fund is part of CFA’s Bedford County Endowments, a group of more than 50 funds that address local needs. Bedford County has long been an important part of CFA’s work to benefit the region, CFA President Mike Kane said.
“This is a special moment for Bedford County and for Community Foundation for the Alleghenies,” Kane said. “The generosity of community members shows a commitment to care for one another today and always. We’re thrilled to see the community come together, look ahead to the future, and decide to invest in causes right here in Bedford County.”
Because the fund is an endowment, the principal can never be spent, so the fund had to reach $100,000 for investment earnings to become available for distribution. Earnings will be distributed as grants and also reinvested into the principal, so the fund will continue to grow in perpetuity. CFA’s Bedford County Advisory Committee members will review grant applications, and the first distributions are to be made in fall 2020.
CLICK HERE to read more about the Bedford County Endowments or to make a simple, secure online donation to the Bedford County Community Fund.
