By: Taylor Arens - Journal Staff
The Crofton Community Foundation Fund is an important asset to the city of Crofton. Over the years, the Foundation has contributed tens of thousands of dollars to projects that matter.
Over the last couple of years, there have been major contributions like $7965 toward Cottonwood Villa for sidewalk repairs; $17,500 to the Crofton Community School industrial technology program for metal fabrication equipment; and $4000 for the Senior Center sanitizer for their kitchen, just to name a few. They have also donated $92,405 to the Crofton Community Fund Pool account over the past five years. This was the total of the annual payouts on the $500,000 Merle Guenther family donation in 2020 to the Crofton Community Fund Unrestricted Endowment Account. The list goes on.
Now, the Foundation is remapping their application process going into this spring, making it easier and streamlining the process for new project applications.
“Remapping a grant application process means redesigning or restructuring how the process works to make it more efficient, clearer or better aligned with the goals of both the Foundation and the applicants,” said Irma Arens, who works with the Foundation.
“Grant applications will be reviewed and considered annually,” said Arens. Applications for new funding this year will be accepted starting May 1, with applications due by May 31. Late applications will only be considered if there is an emergency.
“Our purpose/mission is to establish a financial base for the citizens of Crofton and the surrounding area so we can continue to have a prosperous community and strive to add to the betterment of the area,” Arens explained.
According to Arens, these are the qualifications for grant fund applicants.
“Applicants will only be accepted from organizations that either have an official 501(c)3 designation, public charities (but not private foundations), and government entities requesting funds for public purposes,” she said.
Projects must have a broad impact on the quality of life for a significant number of people.
They must involve partnerships and are funded by multiple stakeholders.
Projects to be considered should propose ways to address emerging community issues and needs, and should be creative in their approach to solving problems or capturing opportunities.
These projects should achieve measurable outcome/results rather than ongoing operating support.
They should support community development and growth; and encourage others to get involved and knit our community together, said Arens.
In addition to supporting big projects and goals for the community, why is the Crofton Community Foundation a great place to donate?
“For starters, donations are tax deductible,” said Arens. “In addition, you are playing an important part in the future of the city of Crofton. This will help ensure a future that is bright for generations to come.”
Application forms for projects that wish to request funding from the Foundation can be found at www.nebcommfound.org.