Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt the ability of a small group of committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” It is this belief, that even the smallest actions can make a big difference, which is the basis for community foundations.

Community foundations are a product of the modern world. Historically, philanthropy was associated primarily with affluence. One had to be wealthy to build a hospital or support an orphanage. As times changed, however, charitable giving became more commonplace. From tithing at church to barn raisings to money collected for a local family who was down on their luck, people joined together to help their community. Eventually, state and federal tax laws were written to encourage communities to form foundations for charitable giving.

The Shelby Community Foundation was founded in 1996. It operates under state and federal tax codes, which allow donors to take advantage of tax credits equal to 50 percent of qualifying contributions (with caps established for individual, joint, and business filings). The most common donation to a community foundation is cash, but the cash value of eligible assets such as donated securities, real estate, and automobiles may also qualify to be deducted from taxable income.

 

With Michigan’s economy in deep recession, many businesses and large donors find themselves unable to contribute at the levels they could previously. Individual households are watching their budgets. Charitable organizations across the state have felt the effects. It seems a good time to remember Margaret Mead’s faith in the power of small things. A similar Ethiopian proverb reads, “When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.” Indeed, every little bit counts. Thank you for continuing to contribute to your community foundation. Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt the ability of a small group of committed people to change the world. Indeed, it isthe only thing that ever has.” It is this belief, that even the smallest actions can make a big difference, which is the basis forcommunity foundations.Community foundations are a product of the modern world. Historically, philanthropy was associated primarily with affluence.One had to be wealthy to build a hospital or support an orphanage. As times changed, however, charitable givingbecame more commonplace. From tithing at church to barn raisings to money collected for a local family who was down ontheir luck, people joined together to help their community. Eventually, state and federal tax laws were written to encouragecommunities to form foundations for charitable giving.

The Shelby Community Foundation was founded in 1996. It operates under state and federal tax codes, which allow donorsto take advantage of tax credits equal to 50 percent of qualifying contributions (with caps established for individual, joint, andbusiness filings). The most common donation to a community foundation is cash, but the cash value of eligible assets suchas donated securities, real estate, and automobiles may also qualify to be deducted from taxable income.With Michigan’s economy in deep recession, many businesses and large donors find themselves unable to contribute at thelevels they could previously. Individual households are watching their budgets. Charitable organizations across the statehave felt the effects. It seems a good time to remember Margaret Mead’s faith in the power of small things. A similar Ethiopian proverb reads, “When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.” Indeed, every little bit counts.

Thank you for continuing to contribute to your community foundation.