Reflecting on 2009, the Osceola County Community Foundation had a positive and memorable year. The Foundation made grants exceeding $45,000 to local non-profit organizations. In May, our largest scholarship round ever, thirty-one deserving students representing Evart, Marion, Pine River, and Reed City received scholarships through the Foundation. These students were awarded a total of $29,750 thanks to the generosity of our supporters. The Youth Advisory Council had another busy year, awarding local schools $8,844 through their Mini-Grants for Educators program.

Our annual auction, held on the first Thursday of May each year, generated over $16,000. While this was a decrease from previous years, our attendance was up significantly this year. We hope that this is just one more sign that people are recognizing the Foundation and the positive contributions that have been made over the years. The auction requires a tremendous amount of work and volunteer hours, and the generosity of the donors and bidders is what insures the success of this entertaining evening.

The Foundation received a total of $57,579 in gifts for 2009. We are fortunate to have the support of so many generous people in our community. The economic recovery process seems to have begun and that is reflected by the fact that 50% of the investment losses in 2008 were recovered in 2009. This resulted in an increase of over 24% in the Foundation’s net assets. Adjustments have been made to the grant strategy of the Foundation to help insure that funds will be available to continue giving back to Osceola County.

One highly anticipated project for 2010 is the construction of the addition to the Reed City Depot. This addition is designed to provide a permanent home for the Foundation and increase our visibility in the community. Some unfortunate delays have occurred, but the project is now scheduled for completion in July 2010. We appreciate the generosity, and patience, of those who have given to see this dream become a reality. It will happen!!

The Board of Trustees would like to thank everyone who has helped Osceola County Community Foundation make Osceola County a better place to live. As we continue to work together to brighten the future for our county, we can have confidence that 2010 will be a great year.

Respectfully,

Alan Bengry, President

Click here for the 2009 Report to the Community