The organization is non-political, non-denominational and exists as a
way for community members to help each other -- and quickly.
This writer has had the experience of calling the Community Fund on
behalf of someone needing help. After making two calls, a call back
from the appropriate person came -- within a half hour -- and the help
needed was delivered the following day.
The Community Fund works because it is small and it is local and it has
the flexibility to respond quickly regardless of the need. It works
because its seven volunteer board members live and work here and are
readily identifiable. That creates flexibility, access and immediacy
for those in need.
The Community Fund was founded 20 years ago and does its work with a
volunteer board and part-time director. Ninety-five percent of money
collected goes to help local people. The other 5 percent is spent for a
director to review applications and follow up on how donors were aided
by the funds. Some 25 to 30 local families receive help from the
Community Fund each year -- amounts range from $1,500 to $2,000.
There are many, many, worthwhile, nonprofit organizations in The Valley
competing for a small pot of funds. Among them are the Valley
Interfaith Clergy Council, the Valley Food Shelf, the Mad River Valley
Community Fund, Friends of the Mad River, the Mad River Path
Association, etc.
All these organizations provide amazing and valuable services to the
community. When giving this year, consider where those dollars will do
the most good to help those who are most in need. Rather than buying
more stuff for people, please consider making a donation.
In a community this small, you all know who the board members are for
any of those worthwhile organizations. Please give this holiday season.
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