Community foundation presents updates
Grant Program donates $35,000 to Mineral County non-profits over seven-year period
Calling all Mineral County non-profits! The Mineral County Community Foundation wants to remind organizations of the November 30 deadline for 2013 grant applications. We encourage local non-profits to fill out an application that can be downloaded from the Montana Community Foundation website: click on Local Community Foundations on the left side of the home page. Organizations can apply for grants of up to $500, but be sure your application is postmarked on or before November 30. The grants have been funded in part from the fundraising efforts of the Old Schoolhouse Rock Car Show, with additional funds from interest on the Mandala Fund. Grants from MCCF have benefited a broad cross-section of organizations from all of the communities in Mineral County. With the future of the Car Show in question, the Board members are hoping to raise funds to “grow the endowment” and maintain or improve their grant-making capacity.
For those who came later to Superior, or have forgotten the origin of MCCF and the Fund, the following is a brief history. In 1994, a group of concerned citizens worked to attract a replacement industry to the closing of the Crown Pacific sawmill, the area’s major employer. After learning about the home building business of Akira Yamaguchi in Hokkaido, Japan, the group wrote an informational letter asking Mr. Yamaguchi to consider the potential to expand some of his operations to Superior. He responded by offering an expense paid trip for three local leaders to visit his plant.
The three were Guy Moats, then president of the Chamber of Commerce, Gordon Hendrick, then mayor of Superior, and Dick Kramer, acting District Ranger of Superior. When they returned, a thank you and invitation to Superior was sent to Yamaguchi. Akira and a delegation of assistants visited Superior that summer, and he gifted the citizen group $95,000 for charitable and research purposes. The group of citizens voted to place the gift in a permanent endowment with the Montana Community Foundation (MCF). They named the endowment the Mandala Fund in honor of Mr.Yamaguchi. The group then formed a non-profit organization, the Mineral County Community Foundation, an affiliate of MCF. Interest from the endowment fund, as well as other fundraising efforts, have made various community activities and projects of MCCF possible.
Old Schoolhouse Rock Car Show -- R.I.P.? or a new 2014 Coordinator?
For seven years (‘05-‘11), MCCF coordinated the annual Old Schoolhouse Rock Car Show held on the first weekend in June. Gordon and Vicki Hendrick, along with Jeff (now deceased) and Judy Carlson started the Car Show in 2000, bringing a group of enthusiastic car collectors and appreciative audience to Superior. This requires hours of volunteer work, scheduling, collecting prizes, and a fairly active weekend making sure it runs smoothly. It is a well-attended event that brings many outside visitors to the area. The Hendricks organized the last two years’ Car Shows, and for various reasons decided they need to step back. MCCF and the Hendricks are willing to mentor a replacement Car Show coordinator, so contact one of the Board members listed below if you’re interested.
Scholarships for graduating High School Seniors -- $2500 annually
MCCF started a revolving scholarship fund for the three Mineral County school districts in 2000. In 2008, the Board voted to expand its scholarship program and now offers four separate scholarships. A $500 scholarship is offered to a graduating senior of each school district, with one $1000 scholarship awarded to the senior who demonstrates a significant contribution of service to the community. Be sure to encourage your student to apply for a MCCF scholarship this year.
If you have any questions regarding the projects and activities, or wish to volunteer time and/or money (donations are always appreciated), please contact Glenn Koepke 531-0847; Liz Gupton 240-2003; or call 822-7770 and leave a message.