Montgomery Community Foundation selects project grantees

By: 
Wade Young

One of the recipients of the Montgomery Community Foundation (MCF) grant will be used toward the restoration of the Montgomery Mural. Pictured are members of the mural’s committee (from left) Mary Simon, MCF President Mick McGuire, Sue Hayes, Dale Ruhland, and Jean Franke.

After less than a year since it formed, the Montgomery Community Foundation is already donating money to make projects happen.

The Foundation made donations to two projects at its Spring Fling Social on Thursday, May 9 at the Rustic Farmer. The first $4,000 went to TCU’s Early Childhood for an outdoor learning area, which will be installed once construction is complete on the building renovations. The second $4,000 went to the Arts and Heritage Center for the restoration of the Montgomery Mural.

The Foundation was formed in August 2018 and had a kick-off event in October 2018 where the MCF board heard about ten projects, and chose the mural and outdoor learning area to donate to. After paperwork, applications and money was raised, the funds were distributed last week.

Due to limited resources, the Foundation was unable to fund all of the projects they heard about in October. Others included Pianos on Parade where a piano would be displayed in a main part of downtown under shelter. Anyone who wanted to play could do so; Montgomery Historical Society to purchase of the former Frandsen Bank to convert it into a history center; a Knock Box that keeps residents’ front door keys for police to use for wellness checks if the resident didn’t answer; Expanding the Montgomery Trap Range from one to three ranges; developing a Town Square like in European cities; developing the Czech Area Trail walking and biking trail that will link Montgomery, Lonsdale and Le Center and hiring a grant writer to assist in community projects.

MCF President Mick McGuire explained the Foundation has two accounts and how the money is used. The first is an Endowment Fund whose money remains in the account, but whose interest is withdrawn to fund projects.

He said a town of Montgomery’s size could have a substantial Endowment Fund.

“It’s not uncommon for small towns like Montgomery to have an Endowment Fund of a couple of hundred thousand dollars,” he said. “Depending on the return, you could have ten to 20 thousand dollars in interest you could use for projects.”

See more in the print edition.

Category:

Suel Printing Company

Copyright © Suel Printing Company
All Rights Reserved
200 Main St E
New Prague, MN 56071

Phone: 952-758-4435
Fax: 952-758-4135

Latest articles

Thu, 03/28/2024 - 11:40am
Thu, 03/28/2024 - 11:33am
Thu, 03/28/2024 - 10:00am
Tue, 03/26/2024 - 4:12pm

If you would like to receive a FREE digital edition with a paid print subscription please call 952-758-4435.