Newsletter
“Opening Doors to the
Community”
What is the Saratoga-Monte Sereno Community Foundation?
The Saratoga-Monte Sereno Community Foundation (SMSCF) is
a tax exempt, non-profit, umbrella organization dedicated to
community building through philanthropy. The communities are working
together to strengthen our local facilities, services and events
including, for example, school services, library services, parks,
public space, and senior services in the cities and neighborhoods in
which we all reside.
In the Community At Large, the Foundation through its board serves
as a catalyst with the citizens and cities of Saratoga and Monte
Sereno in addressing the needs of our community. Through grants and
partnerships with start-up organizations, the foundation reaches out
to a broad spectrum of community groups including the arts, youth,
health, social services, environment, educational, religious and
other local projects.
Why do we need a Community Foundation?
In 2003, several local individuals identified a need for a common
conduit through which our community could contribute its resources.
They endorsed the formation of the SMSCF. In its first year
over fifty very special supporters and community leaders sowed and
nurtured that seed by contributing an annual gift of $1,000.
Founding Members are invited to receptions in member’s homes.
In January of 2005 The SMSCF was awarded tax exempt status by
the IRS and is now a viable 501 c 3 or non-profit organization.
Through fund development, the foundation currently has assets of
over $90,000. The foundation is indebted to The Silicon Valley
Community Foundation for managing our assets in a way appropriate
for a non-profit and for their support as an umbrella organization.
The First Grant Bequest:
The first grant was submitted to us by the EMQ-VIP League
requesting funds for Addiction Prevention Programs in the Santa
Clara Valley, helping students, teachers and parents at 17 junior
and senior high schools address, minimize, and correct substance
abuse problems. With unanimous consent, the SMSCF board voted
to grant EMQ $10,000: $5,000 from the SMSCF assets and $5,000
from a donor advised fund. Redwood School was the designated
beneficiary of the first SMSCF grant bequest.
It is the goal of the SMSCF to fund one $2,500 scholarship
annually at the high school level for academic and leadership
excellence. The recipients will be selected by the school;
specifically, a graduating senior who will be attending a four year
college/university. The scholarship fund will assist the students
with funds for tuition and books.
News about future gifts!
The anonymous donor for Joe’s Trail has selected SMSCF as
the conduit through which the payments for the trail will be made.
It is an exciting development for SMSCF because this is a
significant community asset.
News about Potential New Board Members!
Having gone through the legalities of the initial setup, the
SMSCF is now in its toddler stage; we are growing. The board is
currently interviewing potential members; we are searching for
individuals with many skills. Fund development, “giving or getting”
$3,000- $5,000 annually is a priority for each member. To succeed we
need individuals and professionals working as a team of volunteers
dedicated to their residential cities and communities.
Current Goals!
These are exciting times for the Foundation. Planning and
visioning the future, the SMSCF Board’s goal is to increase
the foundation’s assets by $200,000. This will be accomplished
through constant communication and dialogue with individuals,
non-profits, businesses and corporations.
Avenues for Giving!
The foundation has developed a program of annual charitable
giving at membership levels to provide operational support as well
as a program of donor-advised gifts of over $10,000 (where the donor
specifies the beneficiary). The concept behind a donor-advised fund
is one in which an individual gifts the foundation a large sum for
all of his/her charitable giving. The donor advises the direction
and disbursement of the funds according to his/her giving
priorities. Gifts of stock/securities and real estate are welcome,
and our goal is to work with you to make the most of your charitable
gifts. Imagine us as your local charity bank. You pay your bills
from one account. Now you can make all of your charitable donations
from one account, too! We would like to be at the top of your list.
You may be anonymous or not; we only divulge information about you
if that is your desire.
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$250 - $999-Friend |
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$1,000-Founder |
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$2,000-Champion |
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$5,000-Patron |
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$10,000-Benefactor |
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$25,000-Philanthropist |
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$Other |
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Stocks/Securities |
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Real Estate |
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$10,000+ Donor Advised Fund |
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Attention All Non-Profit Organizations!
Unfortunately, the SMSCF is currently not accepting grant
applications. However, we are eager to hear about the work you are
doing! We can also assist you by being an “umbrella” for you – where
we provide you non-profit status, and we do the bookkeeping. If you
want to do an event that would benefit the communities we represent,
please contact us.
Calendar of Events
The first event of the New Board is on May 25. Please come
and meet us!
The Board of Directors of the Saratoga-Monte Sereno Community
Foundation invites you.
Wine Tasting and Appetizers
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
5:30PM - 7:30PM
Plumed Horse
14555 Big Basin Way, Saratoga
$60 per person
Valet parking available
Mingle with other community members and your city council
representatives.
Learn more about the work of the Foundation, and let us know
about community projects that are important to you.
Some projects that we are considering:
Music in Wildwood Park
Educational Programs at Heritage Orchard
Community Gardens
| RSVP by May 20, 2010. Call 408.647.6802 or
(preferred) email info@smscf.org or (most preferred) use the
PayPal button to the right which will allow you to use your credit card. |
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Your gift is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by
law.
If you are a donor/member at the $1,000 level and you would
like to attend the next donor reception please contact the SMSCF.
See contact information below.
Become a Founding Member!
If you would like to be a Founding member at the $1,000 annual
level or more please make your tax deductible contribution payable
to SMSCF and mail it to: SMSCF, 14510 Big Basin Way,
#132, Saratoga, CA 95070 or use the PayPal button to use your credit
card. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number and email
*Contact Information:
To request more information about the SMSCF, email
info@smscf.org.
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