02.03.2009 - 

Now in its fourth phase, the Community Foundation's Matchstick Endowment Initiative has energized non-profit agency staff and volunteers and increased awareness about the critical services that these organizations provide. Since its inception in 2006, Matchstick's 1:3 match ($1 from the Foundation for every $3 contributed to a participating agency endowment) has resulted in nearly $450,000 in contributions and matching monies. This generous support permanently enhances the quality of life in Monroe County.

By the end of 2009, a total of 12 local agencies will have participated in at least one of the first four phases of Matchstick. Eight agencies - Amethyst House, Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington, Community Kitchen, Lotus Education and Arts Foundation, Monroe County United Ministries, Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Foundation, WFHB Radio and Windfall Dancers - are involved with Phase IV.

Each of these organizations may have a distinct mission, but Matchstick helps them to reach a common goal: build a steady stream of revenue that helps to sustain and enhance the vital health and human services, education, recreation and fine arts programs that they offer.

Here are some ways in which donors' generous support has made a difference

Community Kitchen
When Vicki Pierce was named Executive Director of Community Kitchen in 2004, demand for the Kitchen's services had exceeded original projections and placed a significant strain on the organization's operating reserve.

"My first objective was to get through 2005 without drawing on reserve funds," Pierce recalled. "Once we were able to do that, we started looking towards the future."

Pierce knew that Community Kitchen held an endowment fund at the Community Foundation, so she began to survey agency board members and donors about their interest in providing permanent financial support.  The Kitchen made its Matchstick debut in 2007 and has collected more than $30,000 in contributions and matching monies in the last two years.

The bottom line is a 22 percent increase in its annual fund payout, which has enabled Community Kitchen to provide 430 additional meals to residents in need.

Bloomington Parks and Recreation
A gift to the Olcott Youth Scholarship Fund helps to ensure that area children can participate in the many wonderful programs sponsored by Bloomington Community Parks and Recreation. The Parks and Recreation Foundation has raised more than $70,000 through Matchstick, which pushes the Olcott Youth Scholarship Endowment balance over $250,000. More importantly, it has generated a 15 percent increase in the number of scholarships available.

More youngsters may have the opportunity to enjoy programs such as Kid City Summer Camp and Hook A Kid On Golf, but Parks and Recreation Director Mick Renneisen says that the impact does not stop there.

"It has given our Parks Foundation renewed enthusiasm and pride in the effort to make a difference in the lives of young people in our community."

For More Information
Due to the recent inclement weather, the annual Matchstick donor appreciation reception has been postponed until Tuesday, Feb. 10 at Chapman's Restaurant from 5:30 to 7:30. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to dea@cfbmc.org or call 333-9016.

In August 2008, the Community Foundation Board of Directors announced that it would extend the Matchstick program through 2010. If you have questions or would like to learn more about current or planned gift opportunities at the Community Foundation, please contact Development Director Pete Rhoda at 333-9016 or pete@cfbmc.org. You can also refer to our website at www.cfbmc.org or stop by our office in Suite 321 of Fountain Square Mall.