Local News
MCF Essay Contest To Focus on Giving Back ToThe Community
By Lori S. Stevenson
Apr 8, 2008, 15:20

MARION – The Marion Community Foundation announces an essay contest to help celebrate its upcoming 10th anniversary serving the Marion area. The winner of the contest will become the donor advisor to a $5,000 Donor Advised Fund at Marion Community Foundation, announced President Bradley C. Bebout.

The essay contest, open to Marion County students, begins today. Students are asked to write an essay up to 300 words in length on “Why It’s Important to Give Back to Your Community.” The announcement of the contest winner is intended to be a highlight of Marion Community Foundation’s 10th birthday party on May 29.

“The essay contest and its winner will embody the philanthropic spirit,” says Bebout. “This is a case of ‘it’s better to give than to receive’ because, while the winner does not benefit financially, he or she will enjoy benefits more lasting -- by helping others forever. The winner will be able to name the fund and designate charitable organizations in Marion County to receive annual grants from the fund for his or her lifetime and beyond.”

Essays are to be a maximum of 300 words, be legibly printed or typed, and be written by a Marion County resident up to 22 years of age. The local panel of judges include: Marion Mayor Scott Schertzer, United Way Executive Director Pam Stone, and English composition teacher Karin Ballinger. Essays must be submitted by May 1 at the Foundation offices, 504 South State Street. Essays may also be emailed to marionlegacy@verizon.net.

“Donor advised funds are established by donors who wish to actively participate in the grantmaking process,” explains Bebout. “Individuals who establish a donor advised fund recommend charitable projects or organizations they want to support.” In the case of the essay contest winner, any charitable organization in Marion County could be selected to receive a grant each year during the Foundation’s grant making cycle.

“The winner will become the donor advisor to the fund,” says Bebout. “He or she will name the fund and can be as involved in the grant recipient selection process as he or she wants. Because the winner will be a young person, he or she has the opportunity to be involved literally for decades and see years of good come from his or her efforts.”

Presently, Marion Community Foundation is steward to a wide array of funds, including eight Donor Advised Funds, worth a total of $16 million. More than $500,000 a year is awarded in scholarships and grants from the funds at Marion Community Foundation. The current donor advised funds include: the “C" Fund, Marion Noon Lions Club Fund, Beverly S. Young Fund, Spencer C. Stephens Flamingo Fund, Youth Engaged in Philanthropy Fund, Roger & Janice Vanover Family Fund, Sisler Family Fund and We Remember Al Fund. These funds support causes such as the visually impaired, various local youth organizations, health concerns such as Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS), and equine science. Other funds at Marion Community Foundation support college scholarships for local students, the cultural offerings of the Marion Palace Theatre, wellness opportunities at the Marion Family YMCA, healthcare access at the Center Street Community Clinic, and preservation of Marion’s history at the Marion Historical Society, the Stengel-True Museum, the Linn School, and Marion Union Station, among others.

Marion Community Foundation was started in 1998 from the proceeds of the sale of MedCenter Hospital. Since becoming president of the organization in 2000, Bebout says he has seen the Foundation grow from less than five funds to more than 80.

“I have witnessed area residents put their money where their hearts are – creating funds to honor loved ones, make lasting memories, and support causes dear to them,” says Bebout. “The winner of our essay contest will be able to do the same and join the ranks of philanthropists who support our wonderful community of Marion.”

The Foundation’s birthday party is slated for the evening of May 29 and will be styled as an old-fashioned ice cream social. The essay winner and his or her new donor advised fund will be announced at the event. Bebout describes it as a “reverse birthday party,” because instead of receiving gifts, the Foundation will be giving them.

“We intend to make donations to each of the currently existing funds at Marion Community Foundation, as well as create the new fund of the essay winner’s choosing,” says Bebout. “It will be a grand occasion to celebrate 10 years of Marion Community Foundation serving communities and charitable causes throughout Marion County.”

Additional information on both the essay contest and the Foundation itself is available by calling 387-9704 or visiting www.marioncommunityfoundation.org. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at 504 S. State St., inside the historic Stengel-True Museum.

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