The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri joined past and present Board Members, donors and Fund Advisors in celebration of their 10th Anniversary. Also in attendance were State Representatives J. Eggleston, Brenda Shields, and Allen Andrews. The event was held at The Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph.
The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri, Inc. was conceived and inspired in February 2009 by Jerry Sprong. Jerry then recruited Tom Watkins, Karen Graves, and Ali Wray to work towards establishing a volunteer board. In the following months, with the help of Chuck Place and Lowell Kruse, The Community Foundation became a regional organization.
The Community Foundation was established to provide a simple way to allow donors an opportunity to give to causes they care about and to keep the money made in Northwest Missouri working in Northwest Missouri. It also provides maximum tax advantages for donors.
Mary Hinde was hired as President and CEO in November 2009 and The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri was officially launched. The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation provided guidance and assistance during the early years.
During the evening Jerry Sprong was honored for his tremendous work founding The Community Foundation. Jerry wanted to improve the quality of life for people in Northwest Missouri through philanthropy and to teach how charitable giving can be transformational not only for the recipient – but for the giver. Donations totaling $15,000 honoring his dedication to selfless giving and philanthropy were made in his honor to The Community Foundation Endowment Fund. The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri began in 2009 with no assets except the drive and determination of four people intent on the greater good of the region. Today, The Community Foundation has grown to managing $23 M in assets and 212 individual funds.
