Lebanon Area Foundation

Introduction to LAF We are a public charity founded in 1984 to meet a wide variety of social, educational, cultural and other charitable needs throughout the Lebanon area. We do so by the distribution of income from endowment funds established by our donors. Our donors establish permanent funds, take the long view, work towards lofty goals, without being compelled to produce short-term results.

Governance of LAF The Lebanon Area Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors who are community leaders from the Lebanon area and is administered by one full time staff member. Operating expenses are paid from management fees and gifts designated by donors, which help keep overhead down.

Board of Directors Bob Fields, President Joy Davis, Vice President Jason Russell, Treasurer Sue Lewis, Secretary Rob Black Becki Carr Keith Davis Doug Hoban Debbie Moore Bert Ogle Tom O’Neil Kelly Rhoades Marc Roecker Heather Shadel Laina Starnes Angie Hemphill Wright

Lebanon Area Foundation is… A tax-exempt organization formed to receive, invest and distribute the income from gifts of capital for community betterment A grant maker and advisor A conduit through which individuals, businesses, and private foundations can support non-profit organizations throughout the Lebanon area ….truly a community of donors.

Community Cares Established as a program of the Lebanon Area Foundation in 2000 to be the ‘United Way’ of Lebanon and Laclede County Providing Grants to Qualifying Non-Profit Agencies Funds Stay in Our Community Linking Resources With Needs

Community Cares Since 2000, $1,200,000 has been given back to Lebanon and Laclede County charities through Community Cares Over 60 different charities have received money from Community Cares since 2000 Community Cares relies on the combined efforts of community members and organizations for funding

Where does the money come from? Although donations are accepted year round, the largest fund-raising event is the annual community wide campaign drive traditionally held September through December Relies on the philanthropic commitment of each citizen at all levels of giving Individuals and corporations are asked to help support the program in different ways

Ways of giving Payroll deduction Employer match Host a fundraiser Sponsor an event Estate planning Coin receptacle One time gift Jeans day or other work related event

Then what happens? The contributions and pledges raised during the fall campaign will be distributed back to the community the following year Community Cares holds each agency accountable for the funding they receive by requiring quarterly reports that demonstrate how the funds are being used and how many people they are impacting. The LAF administrator may also visit the agency at any time to see how the funds are being used.

C C Continues to Make a Difference Each year we continue to push harder to raise even more money for the charities in Lebanon in Laclede County All of the money raised stays in Lebanon and Laclede County for our residents, neighbors and friends Last year, Community Cares gave $90,400 in grants after requests of $204,000 LAF/CC wants to continue to make an impact on the issues most important to the community and our donors

Support Community Cares Contact the LAF office to schedule a presentation for your organization or business to learn more about ways to support Community Cares Melinda Fries, Administrator

Lebanon Area Foundation