Pike County endowment fund’s ‘Quarter Million Challenge’ continues as goal nears completion

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — The Pike County (Ill.) Endowment Fund with the Community Foundation has been offered the opportunity to grow by up to $50,000 through a dollar-for-dollar matching donation challenge.

If successful, the Pike County Endowment Fund will reach a balance of $250,000 – generating and sustaining $10,000 in grants annually.

Through the “Double Down 2.0” effort, every gift made to the Pike County Endowment Fund until March 15 will be doubled by an anonymous donor. 

More than $16,000 has been contributed towards the match since the announcement of the campaign. With $8,535.52 left to raise to reach the goal of $25,000, the Pike County Endowment Fund Council is rallying the community for a final push.

Donors also can take advantage of the new “Illinois Gives” tax credit, which offers a 25 percent Illinois income tax credit for gifts to endowed funds at qualified community foundations.

In a press release, Kay Iftner said, “Nonprofits are the heart of our communities, and we’re proud to support these organizations as they work tirelessly to lift up our neighbors and our county. By contributing to the Double Down 2.0 Challenge, you help us increase the amount that we can give to our nonprofits every year. It’s truly a gift that keeps giving.”

Established in 2008 by Pike County residents, the fund serves as a lasting resource to support the county’s charitable needs and opportunities. By pooling and investing local assets, the fund has made a significant impact, awarding more than $37,000 in grants to more than a dozen local nonprofits — all made possible through the generosity of more than 100 individuals, organizations and businesses. Because the fund is endowed, gifts are invested for growth with grants made annually from the earnings. 

“The Pike County Endowment Fund is by and for all of us in Pike County. If you love Pike County, it has been good to you, and you want it to be even better for future generations, you should consider giving to the Pike County Endowment Fund,” Iftner said. “And, right now, your gift will be doubled. There is no better time than now to invest in Pike County.”

The Illinois Gives Tax Credit began Jan. 1 and allows Illinois taxpayers to be eligible to receive a 25 percent Illinois income tax credit, up to $100,000 for individuals or $200,000 for couples, for gifts to endowed funds at qualified Illinois community foundations, including the Pike County Endowment Fund. Contact the Community Foundation for more information on how to take advantage of this opportunity.

Gifts towards this effort need to 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.

Gifts can be mailed to the Community Foundation at 621 Vermont, Quincy, Illinois, 62301 noting that they are for Pike County. Gifts can be made online at www.mycommunityfoundation.org/pike-county.

To discuss gifts of stock or other assets or the Illinois Gives opportunity, contact the Community Foundation at 217-222-1237.

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