11.20.2007 - 



















   John Hurlow plans to utilize the Community Foundation's Acorn
   Giving Progam as a way to get his children (six-year-old Ethan and
   four-year-old Ella) involved with philanthropy.

Through donations and spon­sorships, Hurlow Wealth Man­agement Group has supported a variety of local non-profit organi­zations. While this has been quite rewarding for President and Senior Financial Advisor John Hurlow, he is ready to take the next step in per­petuating his and his family’s pas­sions and interests.

“I wanted to see something more permanent,” Hurlow said. “I also wanted to get my kids (six-year-old Ethan and four-year-old Ella) involved at some point.”

Given his professional back­ground, along with his role on the Community Foundation Board of Directors, Hurlow is well-versed in a wide range of charitable giving opportunities. However, the Com­munity Foundation’s new Acorn Giving Program – where donors can contribute $1,000 per year for 10 years to either an existing fund or a new fund – is the perfect phil­anthropic vehicle to set up the Hur­low Wealth Management Donor Advised Fund.

Hurlow believes that the Acorn Giving program will provide ben­efits now and forever.

“Within the next 10 years, if not sooner, we’ll have over $10,000 in the fund, and it will start generating payouts,” Hurlow said. “Depend­ing upon where we recommend dollars to be granted, I look forward to being able to take the kids to our church, or to the Boys and Girls Club, and say ‘This is what we were able to contribute to.’ ”

Indeed, it sets a worthwhile precedent. “It’s a great lesson in the value of compounding savings,” Hurlow said.  “It also teaches community values.”

In addition to its potentially significant charitable impact, Hurlow notes that the Community Foundation’s investment pool creates an economy of scale with cost effective fees. Considering theses advantages, he asks, “Why wait?”

“Our firm manages a lot of different 401k plans, so I have talked to a lot of employees about the value of time and savings,” Hurlow said. “With time on your side, you can create a lot of assets.”