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From: Santiago J. Escobar
WCF intern
“So… What is WCF all about?”
What does it do exactly, what can it do for me, and what can I do for Winona?
We all envision ourselves living in a community that is safe, that offers good health and school systems, that strives to preserve the environment, and that provides recreation, arts, culture and community services. The city of Winona is getting closer to this vision with every passing day thanks to the work of the Winona Community Foundation (WCF) and all the community members who support it. The best part about this movement is that you as a member of the community also can contribute and be part of making Winona a better place to live.
WCF is a 501(c)(3) public charity created 25 years ago by community members who also wanted to make a difference. The Foundation has been able to grow thanks to the support of individuals, corporations, government entities and other nonprofits that believe in its purpose and goals. Currently, donations help WCF support local programs and community services, and it can grow with your help. Your donation can support community-service grants, personalized donor services, and services for endowments and non-endowments to benefit charitable causes. Along with the benefits it provides to the community, WCF also offers benefits to those engaged in charitable giving by helping donors avoid many of the requirements facing private foundations, and thereby providing a higher degree of independence for donors. All of this occurs while the Foundation is guided by experienced and passionate volunteer board members and professional fund managers who all strive to make assets grow and maximize their effect.
Many organizations in the Winona area benefit from funds administered by WCF including Winona Volunteer Services, the local Red Cross, local educational institutions, and Catholic Charities. Additionally, during the 2011 fiscal year WCF distributed more than $1 million in donor advised and community grants. These grants were spread among diverse areas including education, arts, athletics, health, environment, and civic projects.
In these times of economic uncertainty WCF is a welcome option for year-end tax planning, strategic giving, the sale of a business or stock, or the preservation of estates. A unique feature of WCF is that funds can be targeted for the well-being of the community through philanthropy.
As WCF celebrates 25 years of service and the granting over $18 million back to the Winona community, look for stories about the impact of WCF in Winona and your life.
If you want to contribute to this worthy cause, or just want more information on the ways you can be involved, please contact the WCF by phone at 507-454-6511, pay a visit to its office in the Winona Exchange Building, located at 51 East 4th Street, Suite 314, or visit the website www.winonacf.org
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