Staff Report
PLYMOUTH — The Marshall County Community Foundation (MCCF) has announced an initiative that will allow existing and new fund holders to benefit generations of Marshall County citizens.
“Every dollar contributed by a permanent fund holder, up to $100,000 per fund, will receive a 25-cent match from the MCCF Generations Initiative,” said foundation director Jennifer Maddox. “That will add a potential maximum of $25,000 extra to the permanent fund that has been established.”
She said this is the first time in the county's history that a donor will receive matching funds directly from the foundation.
“Matching money simply means that you can now give a monetary gift of your choice to one of over 200 funds held by the community foundation,”  she said. “Or, you can start a new fund, with the foundation adding more money for every dollar you contribute.”

For every $1 to an existing fund, the MCCF will add a quarter; for every $4, the MCCF will add $1. An additional gift of $100,000 to a fund and the maximum extra benefit of $25,000 in additional principal would be added.
The foundation will provide a total maximum of $500,000 of matching funds for the Generations Initiative and matching funds will be awarded on a first come, first served basis through June 30, 2008 or until the $500,000 is expended.
“Individuals and groups are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to establish a new permanent fund with a minimum $5,000,” Maddox said. “While the initial $5,000 cannot be matched through the Generations Initiative, all additional contributions beyond the initial investment will receive the matching grant from the foundation.”
She explained, for example, that a permanent fund created with a $10,000 investment would immediately be worth $11,250. “A $50,000 permanent fund established within the time frame of the initiative quickly has a value of $61,250,” she said.
The Generations Initiative applies only to permanent funds; non-permanent funds may convert and realize the match on all funds, except the initial $5,000.
Investments in the foundation consistently earn annual interest, but this initiative will allow people to enhance their fund’s assets almost immediately.
“Contributions made during a quarter will be matched on the first business day of the next quarter,” Maddox said. “The Generations Initiative is a wonderful opportunity for the citizens of Marshall County to leave a lasting benefit to future generations. The matching funds will strengthen each fund to provide even greater impact.”