Pike County Endowment Fund exceeds $25,000 match goal through ‘Double Down for Pike County’ challenge

QUINCY — The Pike County Fund Council accepted an invitation from a donor who did not want to be publicly identified in September to grow the Pike County Endowment Fund by $50,000. The council had until December 31 to secure $25,000 in donations to match the anonymous donor’s gift of $25,000.

The Fund Council announced Wednesday it has met the match, securing more than $40,000 in donations. Combined with the anonymous donor’s gift, the fund received a boost of more than $66,000. The value of the endowment now is at more than $150,000.

These endowed dollars will generate new dollars through investment growth for charitable grant-making every year in perpetuity.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to match the anonymous donor’s generous gift,” Kaye Iftner, Pike County Fund Council Chair, said in a press release. “What each donor contributed will permanently benefit needs and opportunities in our community. By investing into the Pike County Endowment, we are able to grow our grantmaking capacity now and for generations. Thank you to all who contributed to this effort.”

Sixty-five donors contributed to the effort, and 37 are first-time donors to the fund.

“What a great response from the citizens and business from Pike County and beyond that who took advantage of this dollar-for-dollar match,” said the donor who invited others to match the $25,000 gift. “With the generosity shown by donors, the Pike County Endowment Fund can grant to more nonprofits in our county. In turn we will be able to help address some of the unique needs and opportunities in our own backyard. I hope this successful venture encourages others to follow suit.”

The fund, established in 2008 by residents of Pike County, secures local assets to permanently support charitable needs and opportunities in Pike County. It has granted more than $24,000 to more than a dozen local nonprofits with the help of contributions from more than 145 people, organizations and businesses.

Gifts of any amount can be made at any time to continue growing the Pike County Endowment Fund. Gifts should be made to the Community Foundation, noting that they are for the Pike County Endowment Fund. The Community Foundation accepts a variety of gifts including cash, stocks, grain, livestock, IRA distributions and other assets.

For more information, contact Iftner at (201) 314-3624 or kiftner@gmail.com or the Community Foundation at (217) 222-1237, kmcfarland@mycommunityfoundation.org.