July 20, 2007

I am delighted to be able to offer a wholehearted endorsement of the Freeport Community Foundation, based on personal interaction with the organization over many years and evidenced by my own financial support of their mission.  I believe that the Foundation is unique in the flexibility it offers donors, both in the types of funds that can be created and in the way the funds are used for the benefit of the community.  It has been in existence for over 30 years and is well respected in both the business community and among individual donors.  I know from personal experience that many of those individual donors are very judicious in making charitable contributions and constantly strive to ensure that dollars invested are being used to maximum advantage.  In the regard, the Freeport Community Foundation board has proven to be an excellent steward of the funds they manage.

The Foundation is very attuned to local needs, and the board ensures a consistent review of requests for funding relative to those needs.  There is a strong, objective methodology employed to safeguard against funding “pet” projects or activities based more on personal preferences.  This is important to me in that I know that no matter the board members in the future, my contributions will be put to the best possible use at that time.

I am proud to have been involved with the Freeport Community Foundation and know that it is an unparalleled tool to be able to give back to the community.  I am grateful that we have such an outstanding institution available to philanthropists with concern for the future of Northwest Illinois.

Sincerely,

Doug Cross, President
State Bank of Freeport

 
In September of 2006 the YMCA Children’s Center received a grant in the amount of $6,023 from the Freeport Community Foundation – Matthew A. Marvin Fund. This grant helped fund a collaborative before and after school program between the YMCA and Malcolm Eaton Enterprises and Freeport School District 145.

The YMCA’s Inclusive School aged Child Care program, served children with special needs at Carl Sandburg, Lincoln Douglas and Empire school. The grant dollars helped off set additional salaries incurred by the YMCA, and helped purchase specialized equipment for the students (larger gym equipment, puzzles, manipulative toys and puppets).

The program has proven to be very successful for all parties involved. The children with special needs benefited from being a part of an inclusive program as well as the other students and staff. I strongly believe this was a win / win program for all involved.

Stephanie Diehl, Director, YMCA Children’s Center
Family YMCA of Northwest Illinois

The Freeport Community Foundation helped give MALCOLM EATON Enterprises (MEE) its Spirit . . . Spirit Bathroom Tissue, that is.  MEE serves people with developmental disabilities and decided to manufacture bathroom tissue to eventually become more financially self-reliant.  The organization to the Foundation for assistance, with the foundation providing grants for some engineering and marketing expenses...critical pieces of the puzzle.  Today, Spirit Bathroom Tissue is available via 50 retail outlets regionally, sold through a State contract and provided nearly 25,000 hours of work for people with developmental disabilities last year.  It is a spirited success, and continues to grow, thanks in part to the foundation!

Sue Swanson
Malcolm Eaton Enterprises