CASA board members expand fund after Endowment Challenge 50

(photo supplied / Kosciusko County Community Foundation)

In May the Kosciusko County Community Foundation announced that in celebration of its 50th anniversary 10 youth serving nonprofit organizations were selected to participate in “Endowment Challenge 50” (EC50).

RELATED: Kosciusko County Community Foundation launches Endowment Challenge 50

In October, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) was the second organization to successfully complete the fundraising portion of the challenge, raising $10,000 to receive $40,000 in matching funds for a total of $50,000 for their endowment fund.

RELATED: CASA completes Kosciusko County Community Foundation fundraising challenge

Because of the success they have had with the EC50 and other fundraising initiatives, CASA board members wanted to match the generosity of their donors. The board decided to continue the growth of the fund by giving another $10,000 to make a grand total of $60,000 for the endowment fund in 2018. The endowment fund provides CASA with a consistent annual stream of revenue. The principal is not spent. It is invested and the earnings from that investment support the work of CASA forever.

“It was such a great opportunity to be part of the EC50 match, and we wanted to continue the growth of the fund and show our appreciation for our donors,” stated CASA Executive Director, Mackenzie Cloutier. Angie Ritchey, CASA board treasurer, was the individual who suggested the board’s contribution.

“The growth of the endowment fund will help CASA in our quest to be self-funded, rather than relying so heavily on federal grants that are not guaranteed,” explained Ritchey. “We appreciate the opportunity the Foundation offered us to invest in our future of being a voice for the children of Kosciusko County.”