Newsletter

“Opening Doors to the Community”

Volume: I - Edition 1                                                                            January –April 2005

President: Lori Fox

Board Members: Wanda Alexander, Susan Boyce, Tracey Enfantino, Susan Garner, Jeffrey Schwartz, Clarence Stone

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 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 and its board serve 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?

Two years ago, several individuals identified a need for a common conduit in 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 $74,000.  The foundation is indebted to The Silicon Valley Community Foundation for managing our assets and for their support as an umbrella organization. 

The First Grant Bequest!

In March 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 will be 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 specifying graduating seniors who will be attending a four year college/university.  The scholarship fund will assist the students with funds for tuition and books.

News about Potential New Board Members!

The SMSCF is now in its infancy stage.  The board is interviewing potential members 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 foundations assets by $200,000 in 2005.  This will be accomplished through constant communication and dialogue with individuals, non-profits, businesses and corporations.

Avenues for Giving!

For those who wish to give something back, the foundation has developed annual charitable giving at membership levels as well as donor advised gifts where the donor specifies the beneficiary.  The concept behind a community foundation is one in which an individual gifts the foundation a large sum for all of their charitable giving. The donor advises the direction and disbursement of the funds according to his/her giving needs.  Gifts of stock/securities and real estate are welcome and our goal is to work with you to make the most of your charitable gift.  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.

______ $250 - $999-Friend   ______ $1,000-Founder      ______$2,000-Champion

______$5,000-Patron            ______ $10,000-Benefactor  ______$25,000-Philanthropist

______$Other _________    ______ Stocks/Securities      ______ Real Estate

       ______ $10,000+ Donor Advised Fund

Attention All Non-Profit Organizations!

The SMSCF is currently accepting grant requests of up to $10,000.  Please submit all requests on the foundations application forms and it mail to:  SMSCF, 14510 Big Basin Way, #132, Saratoga, CA 95070. * See contact information at the bottom of the newsletter.

Calendar of Events for 2005 - Save the dates!

April 21, 2005 - Donor reception – at the home of Wanda Kownacki and John Holton

July of 2005 - Donor reception – Date and location to be determined.

November 3, 2005 - Donor Reception – Location to be determined.

If you are a donor/member at the $1,000 level and you would like to attend the next donor reception please call 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.  Be sure to include your phone number and email.

*Contact Information:  

Contact us at: 408-355-4439 or visit our website at http://www.smscf.org to R.S.V.P., or to request grant application information or to request more information about the SMSCF.