The primary purpose of a Community Foundation is to build endowment funds to secure the future of charitable giving. The trustees of the Community Foundation are aware, however, that there is sometimes a short term need for funding to carry out a program or project which will be of long term benefit to Monroe County. In such cases, the Community Foundation has the ability to establish Special Project Funds as a service to the community.
The Board of Trustees of the Community Foundation must first agree that the project serves a charitable purpose and meets the criteria of the Community Foundation. Special Project Funds offer many advantages:
•Donations to the fund are tax deductible, since the Community Foundation is classified 501[c][3] by the Internal Revenue Service.
•The fund is administered by the Community Foundation staff.
•Accounting, permits and licenses, etc. are provided by the Community Foundation.
A Special Project Fund leaves the sponsoring group free to concentrate on fund raising, while we take care of the details of administration.
To fund the purchase and development for the IHM property being preserved.
Custer Run Fund.
Supports the activities of the Monroe Milers Running Club.
Christmas in Ida.
To fund the Christmas in Ida festival 1st Sat in December.
Monroe County D.A.R.E. Fund.
Supports the activities of D.A.R.E., an anti-drug program, in schools throughout Monroe County.
Michigan Environmental Council – Mini Grant – (Meer Small Grant).
To hold summits in Monroe County Michigan in an effort to raise understanding of the county’s successes and potential roadblocks to smart growth. “Smart Growth” generally is defined as that which preserves open spaces, reduces traffic congestion and cuts pollution through orderly land use planning.
MIFA Fund.
To fund the international exchange programs of the Monroe International Friendship Association.
Miss Monroe County Scholarship Fund.
Administers Scholarships for the Miss Monroe Scholarship Pageant participants.
Monroe Arts and Beautification Fund.
The statue of the “Little Brown Bear”, honoring Monroe author Elizabeth McWebb (Aunt Bett) was dedicated in October 2002. The committee’s current project is the development and construction of the Heritage Park Pavilion in Loranger Square in downtown Monroe, Michigan with anticipated construction to begin in July, 2005.
Monroe County Labor History Museum. To fund improvements and programs of the Monroe County Labor History Museum.
Monroe Rotary Playscape Maintenance Fund.
A fund created to maintain the playscape at Munson Park.
Monroe Rotary Club – Youth Recreation Projects.
To fund the construction and maintenance of the Youth Recreation Projects in Monroe County Michigan.
Project Second Chance – Monroe.
This program pairs youth from the youth center with abandoned dogs from the Monroe County Animal Shelter. Together, the dogs and children embark on a two-week journey that teaches them a new way of life.
Monroe County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park Fund.
For construction, additions and maintenance of the Monroe County Vietnam Memorial at Heck Park.
World Wars Monument Fund.
To construct the Monroe County World War I and II monument which was dedicated in 1998.
War of 1812.
Fund raising on War of 1812 activities between now and 2012.
The Monroe Dog Park.
A group of citizens began this project in 2009 with the help and permission of the City of Monroe Parks. The goal is to fence in an appropriate area and maintain the area for citizens’ use with their dogs.
Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
Program to promote literacy in Monroe County. Children of Monroe County; ages birth til their fifth birthday, will receive a book a month delivered to their home.
Neighborhood Beautification Fund.
Funds used for improvements and maintenance to the Luna Pier neighborhoods.
River Raisin Jazz Festival.
Entertainment venue for the River Raisin Jazz Festival in August.