Stanton Endowment Fund

STANTON ENDOWMENT FUND

Small town America is in a fight for its life. We all know this. Yet while some small towns simply dwindle and die, others seem to be hanging in there, staying vital and progressive. What makes the difference? Many factors play a part, but the attitude and efforts of a town's residents and alumni are certainly important factors.

Stanton is one of those fortunate towns with dedicated citizens and loyal alumni. They take great pride in their school, their homes, their churches, library, parks and greenbelt trail. Visitors enjoy the Swedish Heritage museum and the "Coffee Pot" and "Coffee Cup" water towers. Local businesses, while few in number, are much appreciated. Community activities are well attended.
Stanton citizens know they can't rest on their laurels. To stay vital and progressive requires an ongoing effort. And, let's face it, it also takes money.

About two years ago the Stanton Vision Committee approached the Stanton City Council with the idea of creating an endowment fund to help ensure the future of the town. Research was done, experts consulted, and a plan began to take shape.

An endowment fund is a fund established from gifts of money or other assets which are then converted into money. Once established, the principal is never touched, but is invested to produce interest. The interest is then used in three ways:
• A portion is used to make grants annually to community nonprofit organizations or to initiate community programs.
• A portion is added to the principal, which causes the endowment to grow over time.
• A small portion pays fees to professional managers who invest the funds, and to the community foundation for its services and operations.

Every community, no matter its size, economy or location, can grow an endowment. Most of the counties of Southwest Iowa, including Montgomery County, have such funds, as well as several towns. Red Oak, for example, has its Heritage Foundation. The advantage to a town of having its own fund, instead of simply relying on the county fund, is obvious. All of the financial benefits stay "at home".

Stanton's endowment fund has now been established with gifts from several citizens, alumni and businesses. It's just a beginning. The more the fund grows, the more interest it will generate, and the more it can benefit the town as Stanton meets the challenges of the future.

Because the Stanton Endowment Fund is a community foundation and a public charity, each gift has maximum tax benefits. Stanton residents, alumni and friends are encouraged to consider a gift - a legacy for the future. For information on how to contribute, you may contact any of the foundation members below:

Mickey Anderson 829-2439
Cheryl Benskin 829-2339
Charles Eklof 829-2472
Pat Gilliland 829-2326
Kathy Johnson 374-2506
Edward Oster 829-2282
Garnet Requist 829-2565
John Schultz 829-2527