When I was a little girl, my father would take me to church on Thanksgiving Eve or maybe Thanksgiving morning. He would march me down the aisle and plop us two rows from the pulpit, right in front. Now, I never did know if that was because that is where he liked to sit, or if it was an attempt to keep me from fidgeting so much. The story goes that my parents had to wait three months to baptize me because I was very colicky and never slept. Neither did my parents, apparently. As I have gotten older, and for a variety of reasons, I am thankful that my father did march me down the church aisle. I reflect on my blessings this time of year, as I am sure many of you do as well. I am thankful for a family and friends who love me. I am thankful for my health and the health of my family. I am thankful that there is a wonderful trail system in Tama-Toledo so I can walk and take my dogs. I am thankful for my other pets and that I have a roof over my head and can be warm and comfortable this time of year. I am thankful that I have enough food to put on the table. I am, also thankful that we have many wonderful people in Tama County in our small communities who really care about each other. As the Development Associate for the Tama County Community Foundation, it is my job to share the “good news” about the Foundation and make sure people are aware of its benefits. Since November is the time to give thanks, this may well be the time of year that individuals, families, and organizations wish to consider making gifts of significance to express gratitude for our many blessings and to help others in our county. Several possibilities are offered through the Tama County’s own community foundation. Scholarship Funds: By creating a permanent scholarship endowment fund with the Tama County Community Foundation (TCCF), an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, you can invest in your community’s future and demonstrate your commitment to education. A scholarship fund through the TCCF could target any particular school district in the county, or it might be more general in nature. For example, a donor who has been a supporter of 4-H could establish a fund to annually benefit an Tama County 4-H member, no matter what school district he or she attends. Creating a scholarship endowment fund through the TCCF is a simple process. •You make a gift to the TCCF (cash, appreciated securities, real estate, grain, or other assets) •TCCF establishes a scholarship fund in your name, in the name of your family or business, or in honor of any person or organization you choose. •Your gift will be placed in a permanent endowment that is invested over time. •You receive significant tax benefits in the year your gift is made. •TCCF handles all administrative details and awards scholarships to deserving students in the name of the fund you establish. •You receive updates on the impact your gift is making, as well as recognition as a donor to the TCCF. Field of Interest Fund: These endowment funds help you target your giving to address specific areas of need in your community, such as arts and culture, senior care, education, or the needs of at-risk youth. Gifts to establish these funds in the TCCF have a bit broader scope, while still permitting the donor to focus giving on strong personal interests. Donor or Corporate Advised Funds: These funds allow you to make a gift to the TCCF and then remain actively involved in recommending grants from your fund each year. You receive maximum tax benefits for each new gift. Grant awards are issued to charities in the name of the fund or anonymously, if you prefer. Designated Funds: With these funds you can support the good work of one or more specific nonprofit organizations. If, for any reason, the organization you select ceases to exist or changes its mission, the fund can be redirected so that it continues to address your original charitable intent. One of the particular reasons one may wish to consider the TCCF is the Endow Iowa tax credit. Through this program, donors to the TCCF are eligible to receive a 25% state tax credit in addition to normal federal deductions for charitable gifts. This tax credit is only available to donors who establish or contribute to a permanent endowment fund at a qualified community foundation, like the Tama County Community Foundation. Saying thank you through the TCCF is a wonderful and deeply meaningful way to impact your community for generations to come. The TCCF has been created by and for the people of Tama County. The Foundation’s primary goals are to support charitable projects and programs, to attract additional funds, and to assist donors in creating lasting legacies through a variety of giving options within Tama County. For more information about the TCCF, Brian Sokol, (641- 484-2980), Chair of the Tama County Community Foundation at and me, Mary Fasse-Shaw, (641-751-5251), Development Associate for Tama County. I hope that you are all blessed with family and friends this Thanksgiving and through the Holiday Season. The TCCF has been created by and for the people of Tama County. The Foundation’s main goals are to support charitable projects and programs, to attract additional funds, and to assist donors in creating lasting legacies through a variety of giving options within the county. For more information about the TCCF, contact Brian Sokol, Chair of the Tama County Community Foundation, 641-484-2980, or Mary Fasse-Shaw, TCCF’s Development Associate at 641-751-5251.