The Legacy Fund Grants $17,500 to Stonewall Columbus for “Trailblazers” Initiatives

December 15, 2011 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comment 

 

Contact:

Leslie Fine, Grants Chair

The Legacy Fund of the Columbus Foundation

614-309-3312

Fine.5@osu.edu

 

The Legacy Fund of the Columbus Foundation is pleased to announce that it awarded a grant of $17,500 to Stonewall Columbus for a year-long comprehensive initiative in 2012 to address the unique challenges of aging in the LGBT Community. The “Trailblazers” effort will include classes for seniors to improve computer literacy, financial planning seminars and classes on the unique legal challenges for LGBT seniors and their families. In addition, the initiative will educate caregivers of LGBT seniors. Stonewall Columbus will also host arts and leisure activities and outings for local LGBT seniors.

Leslie Fine, Chair of the Legacy Fund Grants committee, explained that aging is a fact of life that presents special challenges to LGBT citizens because they are often not protected by legal marriage and because many do not have children who can care for them. The Committee decided to create a strategic focus on aging, with the hope that many organizations in the Central Ohio area would be motivated to comprehensively address the long-terms needs of the elder LGBT population. Fine said that the Stonewall proposal was impressive in its scope and in the number of other agencies and organizations partnering to provide education and services.

Upon receiving notice of the grant, Karla Rothan, Executive Director of Stonewall Columbus, said, “Stonewall Columbus has long recognized that our LGBT Seniors are the most underserved segment of our population and the most difficult to engage in our community.  While great strides have been made in furthering equality and social acceptance for LGBT Americans in the last decade, evidence shows that our LGBT seniors have been left behind; the very same “trailblazing” generation that paved the path for our continuing progress towards equality today.  So it is with great appreciation and dedication that we accept the partnership with The Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation to create and implement a robust, sustainable and comprehensive program for our LGBT Seniors.   The Legacy Fund grant will finally allow us to serve our LGBT Seniors in the complete and respectful manner they rightfully deserve.”

The Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation is one of just a handful of permanent funds across the country that specifically addresses the future needs of the GLBT Community by building capital today.  To learn more about the Legacy Foundation, please visit our web site: www.The LegacyFund.org.

Request for Proposals- Grant Cycle Fall ’11

October 8, 2011 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comment 

Grant Summary

Types of Grants.  The Legacy Fund seeks to provide financial resources to organizations that celebrate diversity and dignity, justice, and promote tolerance and compassion.  Of special interest in 2011 are programs or projects which deal with the unique challenges of the aging GLBT communities. We are interested in programs or processes that, in the long-term, will meaningfully impact the quality of life for aging GLBT citizens and their families in the Central Ohio Area. Additionally, we would be interested in research projects that inform the community about the unique needs of the aging GLBT communities. The Fund will look favorably upon grants from organizations which can procure matching funds to increase the impact of the award.

Amount of Grants.  The Advisory Board of the Legacy Fund has set as policy that it will in 2011 distribute in grants a minimum of 5 percent of its fund balance as of December 31, 2010, in addition to any funds which are donor-restricted to be immediately paid out as grants.  It is anticipated, therefore, that the total amount available for 2011 grants will be approximately $17,500.  Potential grantees should keep this in mind when making grant requests.  Please note that the Advisory Board intends in future years to increase the amount of grant funds available, commensurate with the growth of the Legacy Fund endowment.

Request for Proposals

The Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation requests proposals from eligible organizations for grants, as set forth below.

The Legacy Fund.  The Legacy Fund of the Columbus Foundation is a unique endowment fund created by and for the central Ohio Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender (GLBT) community.  With the advice of trusted community leaders, The Legacy Fund:

•makes strategic investments (grants) to help new and existing organizations become financially sustainable and achieve programmatic excellence ;

•provides technical support to develop strong community leadership and strengthen our institutions; and

•Ensures through permanent, planned gifts that the GLBT community can face any challenges—now and for generations to come.

Grant Eligibility.  To be eligible for a Legacy Fund grant, an organization must:

  1. Be designated a 501(c)(3) organization under the Internal Revenue Code, or have an appropriate fiscal agent which has been designated a qualified 501(c)(3) organization;
  1. Have a written and published policy prohibiting discrimination in employment, access, and programs on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, disability, religion, age, marital status, or veteran status;
  1. Have appropriate processes and procedures for organizational and fiscal accountability;
  1. Engage/propose to engage in programs or services which assist or otherwise positively affect GLBT persons and the GLBT community; and
  1. Meet any other qualifications specified in the attached Guidelines.

Applying for a Legacy Fund Grant.  Applications for a grant under this Request for Proposals must be made with a Letter of Intent, signed by the organization’s board president and (if applicable) its chief executive.  The Letter should include the following information:

  1. Name of organization, along with address, telephone number, and (if applicable) Web site address;
  2. Name, address, telephone, and e-mail address of primary contact person;
  3. Name, address, telephone, and e-mail address of board president and (if applicable) chief executive;
  4. Name, address, telephone, and e-mail address of project manager;
  5. A brief statement of the organization’s mission, history, and description of services;
  6. A detailed description of and rationale for the project or program for which grant funds are requested;
  7. The amount of grant funds being requested;
  8. The total budget of the organization;
  9. An outline of the budget for the specific project;
  10. A list of other anticipated sources of funding for the project;
  11. A statement describing what will happen to the project if The Legacy Fund declines to award a grant, or if it awards a grant which is less than the requested amount.
  12. If the organization has not previously applied for a Legacy Fund grant, please provide a copy of the organization’s governance document and any ethics policies, such as those regarding conflicts of interest.
  13. If the organization has not previously applied for a Legacy Fund grant, please provide a copy of the organization’s IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, or a letter from the organization’s 501(c)(3) fiscal agent confirming that it will serve as fiscal agent for this project.

Finalists for grants may be asked to provide additional documentation after review of the initial grant application letter.

Letters of Intent must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 7, 2011.  Applications which are received after that date will not be considered for grant funding.

Letters of intent should be e-mailed to:

The Legacy Fund of the Columbus Foundation

Steven Moore

smoore@columbusfoundation.org

Fax and mailed proposals will not be accepted.

Grantmaking process.  Letters of Proposal will be reviewed by the Legacy Fund Grants Committee.  Finalists selected by the committee will be asked to provide additional documentation as needed.  Grants Committee recommendations will be made to the Legacy Fund Advisory Board, which will make the final decisions regarding the award of grants.  Awards will then be forwarded to The Columbus Foundation for final approval and processing.  It is expected that grant awards will be announced no later than December 13, 2011.

Grant awards are made within the sole discretion of the Legacy Fund Advisory Board and its committees.  The Legacy Fund is a donor advised fund of The Columbus Foundation.  As such, it is subject to all rules and regulations of The Columbus Foundation, and all Legacy Fund grantees are similarly subject to those rules and regulations with respect to these grants.  Grant funds may only be used for purposes consistent with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Questions and Assistance.  Questions and requests for consultation in preparing grant proposals should be addressed to Leslie M. Fine, Board member, the Legacy Fund, e-mail:  fine_5@fisher.osu.edu.

Grant Guidelines.  The following Guidelines have been adopted by The Legacy Fund Advisory Board and are incorporated into this Request for Proposals.

Guidelines for Grant Submission and Award Criteria 2011

Mission:

The Legacy Fund is the first and only long-term endowment fund created to safeguard and improve the quality ofCentral Ohio’s GLBT community.  Through the investment of financial assets from charitable donations and planned giving opportunities, The Legacy Fund is able to provide the support and resources for grant-making dedicated to strengthening nonprofit organizations that work for the community’s benefit.

Guiding Principle:

The Legacy Fund is dedicated to supporting programs and nonprofit organizations, which recognize that members of the GLBT community deserve to be welcomed and celebrated.  Organizations supported by The Legacy Fund illuminate the presence and contributions of people in the GLBT community and the issues that confront them.

Grant Making Priorities:

At this stage in the history of The Legacy Fund, emphasis will be placed on funding special projects.  In future years, grants may be considered for operating expenses and capital campaigns.

Grant Eligibility:

The Legacy Fund seeks to provide financial resources to organizations that celebrate diversity and dignity, invest in youth and justice, and promote tolerance and compassion.

Of special interest in 2011 are programs or projects which deal with the unique challenges of the aging GLBT communities. We are interested in programs or processes that, in the long-term, will meaningfully impact the quality of life for aging GLBT citizens and their families in the Central Ohio Area. Additionally, we would be interested in research projects that inform the community about the unique needs of the aging GLBT communities. The Fund will look favorably upon grants from organizations which can procure matching funds to increase the impact of the award.

The Legacy Fund will make grants available to 501(c)(3) organizations, in Franklin and its contiguous counties of Licking,Madison,Fairfield,Delaware, Pickaway, andUnion.

Grant making will generally be considered for only one year and organizations will generally not receive repetitive yearly funding for the same project.

We encourage collaboration between two or more organizations in the submission of grants.

Use of Funds

Funds must be used to execute the project as outlined in the proposal.  Funds may not be used for political campaigns, or to promote the election of candidates for public office or promote specific religious beliefs. The Legacy Fund generally will not fund endowment campaigns but may provide technical support in setting up endowment funds within The Legacy Fund structure.  The Legacy Fund may retain a reserve in its annual grants allocation for emergency or special needs; agencies in need of such funds should check with the Administrative Program Officer to determine their availability. The Legacy Fund will always respect the wishes of a donor.

Review Process:

Applicants will submit a one-page letter of intent, describing the project, its intended outcomes, process of evaluating its success, agencies involved and amount requested.  A subcommittee of The Legacy Fund will review the document and request a meeting with representatives of the program.  Based on this meeting, the subcommittee will either request a full proposal or indicate the project does not fit within the Funds guidelines.  At any point in this review process, the subcommittee may involve other board members and or members of the larger community to participate in the review process.  The subcommittee will then make a recommendation to the full board for approval.  Any board member having a current interest in the applicant may participate in the discussion but may not vote on the awarding of the grant.

Dates and Deadlines:

For the Fall 2011 grant cycle, The Legacy Fund will announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) by October 10, 2011.  Letters of intent will be due no later than5:00 p.m.November 7, 2011.  Selection and notification of awards will be made no later than December 13, 2011.

How to apply:

Applications may be made by e-mail only to: 

The Legacy Fund of the Columbus Foundation

Steven Moore

smoore@columbusfoundation.org

Fax and mailed proposals will not be accepted.

Applications need to be received by 5 p.m. on the deadline dates noted above.

Criteria:

The Legacy Fund will use the following questions when reviewing applications:

*Is the proposal complete including all attachments required?

*Does the application promote collaboration between providers?

*Are the goals and objectives clear?

*Is the evaluation process clear and concise?

*Is the budget projection realistic?

*Is the proposal consistent with the Legacy Fund’s priorities?

*Does the submitting organization have the financial and community stability to successfully implement the project?

*Does the submitting organization have a governance structure which provides for appropriate levels of accountability to the organization’s constituents, its staff, its board, its funders, and the community?

Barbara Sokol

September 26, 2011 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comment 

All of the Board Members of The Legacy Fund wish to pay tribute to our fellow Board Member, Barbara Sokol.  Barbara…you were our friend, our supporter, and our tireless advocate for fairness and justice.  The extra bright light you brought to our world has dimmed…but it is not extinguished…as you will always remain with us in our thoughts and in our hearts.  You were much loved, and you will be sadly missed.

2011 Short & Augsburger Scholarship Recipients Announced

June 14, 2011 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comment 

COLUMBUS – The Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation is pleased to announce the 2011 recipients of the Howard T. Short and Burdette Augsburger Scholarship. The scholarship was created through a generous bequest to The Legacy Fund and is a tribute to the life and legacy of Howard Short and Burdette Augsburger. The Howard T. Short and Burdette Augsburger Scholarship is dedicated to students who have contributed to the GLBT community through strong personal character, leadership and service.

The 2011 recipients are:
Daniel D. Ehrman, who is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education at The Ohio State University where he is a member of the OSU Men’s Glee Club and participates in the LGBTQ&A Student Association’s GLBT first year cohort program. Dan was described in his recommendations as a student with, “amazing potential,” who is, “admired and respected within his circle of peers.”

Cain Crawley, who is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in History at Wilmington College; where he works at the Peace Resource Center. He is an inaugural member of Student Activists and Allies for Equality (SAAFE). Cain’s recommendations described him as, “intelligent, committed, responsible, compassionate and personable.”

Margarita Diaz, who is pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at The Ohio State University, with the goal of becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She volunteers at health service events as a translator for Spanish-speaking patients. Upon completion of her education, one of her professors believes Diaz’s will contribute to helping children in underserved, Spanish-speaking parts of the world.

Each recipient will receive a $5,000 scholarship to use towards tuition for the upcoming school year. These recipients will be honored at the annual Stonewall Columbus Pride brunch on June 19, 2011, held at the Columbus Athenaeum, 32 North 4th Street, Columbus, Ohio.

“The Legacy Fund is honored to have been entrusted with this gift that will help inspire the next generation of GLBT leadership in central Ohio,” said Scot Dewhirst, The Legacy Fund Co-chair. “The generosity of Howard and Burdette will have a lasting legacy through the education of some of our community’s brightest young minds.”

The scholarship is open to gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered students pursuing a post-secondary education at a central Ohio (Franklin and contiguous counties) college or university or Wilmington College in Wilmington, Ohio. All applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.75.

This scholarship constitutes one of the largest gifts given to The Legacy Fund of the Columbus Foundation and makes studying at a central Ohio institution of higher education a financial reality for many GLBT students.

Applications and eligibility requirements are available online at TheLegacyFund.org

For more information about this scholarship, please contact Diane Higginbotham, The Columbus Foundation Scholarship Manager at 614/251-4000 or 866/263-6000 or dhigginbotham@columbusfoundation.org.

About Howard T. Short and Burdette Augsburger

The fund was established by the estate of Howard T. Short and Burdette Augsburger to benefit gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered students pursuing post-secondary education at a Central Ohio college or university or Wilmington College in Wilmington, Ohio.

About The Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation

The Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation is one of just a handful of permanent funds across the country that specifically addresses the future needs of the GLBT Community by building capital today.

To learn more about the work of The Legacy Fund please visit: TheLegacyFund.org.

If you are interested in contributing to this scholarship or starting a fund in honor of someone or to simply support the work of The Legacy Fund, please contact Steven Moore at The Columbus Foundation, 614/251-4000; smoore@columbusfoundation.org.

For more information about the Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation, visit www.thelegacyfund.org.

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Scholarship: Howard T. Short and Burdette Augsburger

April 6, 2011 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comment 

Howard T. Short and Burdette Augsburger Scholarship Fund of the Legacy Fund Description: This fund was established to benefit gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered students pursuing post-secondary education at a Central Ohio college or university or Wilmington College in Wilmington, Ohio Eligibility Requirements:
o    Candidate must be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered
o    Canddiate must be pursuing post-secondary education at a Central Ohio (Franklin and contiguous counties) college or university or Wilmington College in Wilmington, Ohio
o    Candidate must have at least a 2.75 grade point average

Deadline: April 15 Award Amount: Varies Contact person for more information: Scholarship Manager at The Columbus Foundation
614/251-4000; 866/263-6001; or dhigginbotham@columbusfoundation.org

Application Attachment Link:  https://tcfapp.org/SecureFolder/Scholarship/ScholarshipDetails.aspx?ScholarshipKey=109

A great loss…

December 23, 2010 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comment 

The Legacy Fund is saddened to hear that Fred Holdridge passed away December 23, 2010. Fred and his partner, Howard Burns, were long time residents of German Village and were instrumental in the revitalization of that neighborhood.  Fred and Howard were the recipients of the 2nd Legacy Honors Award in 2008, and Fred was a past Board member of The Legacy Fund. He was a wonderful man and a valued part of our community. He will be missed.

Memorial tributes in Fred’s honor may be made through The Legacy Fund by using the ‘Donate Now’ link on this page. These tributes will go directly to the endowment fund of The Legacy Fund and will create a lasting legacy honoring Fred’s memory and his contributions to the Columbus community.

Welcome to our new board members

December 23, 2010 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comment 

The Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation is honored and pleased to announce the election of five individuals to three year terms on the Advisory Board. The Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation is one of just a handful of permanent funds across the country which specifically addresses the needs of the Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender (LGBT) Community.

The newly elected Advisory Board members are:

  • Tara Allison, Attorney at Law
  • Doug Aschenbach, President, Campus Partners
  • Herb Asher, Professor Emeritus, The Ohio State University
  • Siobhan R. Boyd, Attorney at Law, Tyack, Blackmore & Liston
  • Joel Field, Financial Services Professional, New York Life

Through generous planned giving The Legacy Fund increases its general and scholarship endowment funds for the purpose of making strategic grants for the well-being of the Central Ohio LGBT community. Grants from The Legacy Fund serve:

  • to stabilize and support central Ohio LGBT institutions and organizations
  • to seed new and innovative projects which serve LGBT Central Ohio
  • to support necessary services to LGBT persons
  • to encourage collaboration among agencies which serve the LGBT community.

Whats your Legacy?

December 2, 2010 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comment 

The Advisory Board of The Legacy Fund wants to thank its contributors and those who made planned gifts in 2010.

Your generosity is helping to build our endowment, so that we can continue our work in providing financial support to Central Ohio LGBT organizations.  In 2010 we were especially proud of the awarding of our first 5 college scholarships,   for our grants to LGBT youth groups,   for our sponsorship of the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA) talent show which raised money for central Ohio organizations,   and for our honoring of Lynn Greer as the recipient of the 3rd Legacy Fund Honors Award.    Keep us in your thoughts for your end of the year charitable giving by clicking on the Donate button on the right.

New Officers

December 1, 2010 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comment 

The Legacy Fund is pleased to announce the election of  its new officers effective January 1, 2010:

Sandy Anderson – Co-Chair

Scot Dewhirst – Co-Chair

Karen Cookston – Finance Chair

Jeff Mackey – Secretary

Thanks to retiring Co-Chairs Sue White and Bill Brownson, Finance Chair Jo Hickman, and Secretary Darla Luebbe for all of their hard work and dedication.

Watch for the announcement of new Advisory Board members by the end of the year.

Inaugural Recipients of the Howard T. Short and Burdette Augsburger Scholarship

May 26, 2010 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comment 

Media Contact:

Gregg Dodd

The Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation
Communications Committee Chairman
614-265-7315 or 614-205-7816 ■ greggdoddcmh@gmail.com ■ www.thelegacyfund.org

Legacy Fund of the Columbus Foundation Announces The Inaugural Recipients of the Howard T. Short and Burdette Augsburger Scholarship

COLUMBUS — The Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation announced today the first five recipients of the Howard T. Short and Burdette Augsburger Scholarship.  The scholarship was created through a generous bequest to The Legacy Fund and is a tribute to the life and legacy of Howard Short and Burdette Augusbuger.

The fund was established to benefit gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered students pursuing a post-secondary education at a Central Ohio college or university or Wilmington College in Wilmington, Ohio.  The scholarship is dedicated to students who have contributed to the GLBT community through strong personal character, leadership and service.

The advisory board of The Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation approved to award five scholarships of $2,000 each for the 2010-2011 academic year.

The 2010 Howard T. Short and Burdette Augsburger Scholarship recipients include:

Matthew Arnold, a resident of Columbus attending Ohio Dominican University;

Kayden Z. Healy, a resident of Columbus attending The Ohio State University;

Shreeya Keryn Mathew, a resident of Dublin planning to attend The Ohio State University;

Edgardo Medina, a resident of Columbus attending The Ohio State University; and

Vianca Yohn, a resident of Westerville attending Otterbein College.

“The Legacy Fund is honored to have been entrusted with this gift that will help inspire the next generation of GLBT leadership in central Ohio,” said Scot Dewhirst, The Legacy Fund Scholarship Committee Chair. “The generosity of Howard and Burdette will have a lasting legacy on each of the five inaugural recipients.”

The 2010 recipients were recognized at The Legacy Fund Honors event on May 25 at The Columbus Foundation honoring Lynn Greer. The inaugural five scholarships of the Howard T. Short and Burdette Augsburger Scholarship were funded in part by a $5000 gift made by the Gill Foundation to honor Lynn Greer and her pursuit of equality and devotion to the Central Ohio GLBT and allied communities.

About Howard T. Short and Burdette Augusburger

The fund was established by the estate of Howard T. Short and Burdette Augusburger to benefit gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered students pursuing post-secondary education at a Central Ohio college or university or Wilmington College in Wilmington, Ohio.  This scholarship constitutes one of the largest gifts bequeathed to The Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation and will make studying at a central Ohio institution of higher education a financial reality for many GLBT students.

Howard Short and Burdette Augsburger were a couple for 38 years living their lives quietly in the Central Ohio community.  Both served in the armed forces.  Burdette was a graphic artist, retired from Nationwide Insurance and Howard’s life was devoted to education, after graduating from Wilmington College and working for 40 years as a teacher for rural school districts, and later for the Ohio Department of Education.

Howard Short died in 2005, and Burdette suddenly passed away in 2008 at the age of 74.  Prior to his death Burdette contacted The Columbus Foundation to meet to talk about his commitment to education and leaving something behind.   He soon prepared his will, leaving the bulk of the combined estates to The Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation.

Their estate created the first scholarship fund of The Legacy Fund – leaving their legacy for generations to come.

About The Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation

The Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation enriches the gay community by linking gifts to today’s needs and tomorrow’s dreams.  The Legacy Fund is one of just a handful of permanent funds across the country which specifically addresses the needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) Community. Make your legacy a part of our future.

For more information about the Legacy Fund of The Columbus Foundation and the Howard T. Short and Burdette Augsburger Scholarship program, visitwww.thelegacyfund.org.

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