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Frequently Asked Questions:

1. When was the Shickley Community Foundation organized and how is it operated?
 
The Shickley Community Foundation was organized in 1991 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation.  The Foundation is operated by 12 volunteers who are known as the Fund Advisory Committee.
 
2. What are the Foundation assets?
 
As of December 31, the Foundation assets were over $2,019,000.00
 
3. How are the Foundation’s finances organized?
 
The Foundation currently maintains 25 sub-accounts.  These include seven for scholarships, six for religious purposes, two for school programs, one each for the fire dept, library, parks, swimming pool, cemetery, community building, and a general endowment fund.  Only the Endowment fund earnings are used for community betterment projects.  All Endowment fund contributions are perpetual and are held in whole.
 
4. How many Endowment Fund grants has the Foundation awarded so far?
 
There have been over 190 Endowment Fund grants awarded which have totaled over $296,000.00.   Some of the projects have included the Shickley welcome sign, the electronic billboard, ball field improvements,  equipment for the fire department & library, Shickley history books, historical marker on Hwy. 74, Fillmore County Hospital construction, plastic fence for Westside Park, playground equipment at the school and preschool, enhanced school curriculum, specialized school equipment, fireman/EMT training, and tree planting.
 
5. How do I apply for a grant and who can I ask if I have some grant application questions?
 
The grant application form can be picked up at the Village office or it is accessible online at www.shickleycommunityfoundation.org . Questions about grant eligibility can be directed any of the grant committee members: Deb Johnson, Joe Kamler, Judy Lichti, or Richard Walter.
 
6. What is the primary goal of the Fund Advisory Committee?
 
Increasing the size of the Endowment Fund is the primary goal for the Fund Advisory Committee as the Endowment Fund had a balance of only $21,000.00 as of 12-31-01.  As of December 31, 2016, the Endowment Fund had a balance of nearly $1,566,327.00.
 
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. What is the Sherwood Initiative?
 
The Fund Advisory Committee accepted the challenge proposed by the Sherwood Foundation where as the Sherwood Foundation will match 50% of all contributions & pledges made to the Shickley Endowment Fund from 2012-2015 not to exceed $250,000.  In order to maximize the challenge, $500,000 will need to be raised from donors.
 
8. How much will be able to be granted out upon completion of the Sherwood Initiative?
 
We currently grant $26,000 annually.  By completing the Sherwood Initiative, we will be able to fund additional grants of $42,000 for a total of $68,000 annually.
 
 
9. How was Shickley chosen to be included in the Sherwood Initiative?
 
As a result of our affiliation with the Nebraska Community Foundation, our performance has been monitored and scored.  Due to our high level of performance, it was determined that Shickley was a natural fit for the Sherwood Initiative. 
 
10. What are some other goals that the Fund Advisory Committee has set?
 
The Fund Advisory Committee has set three goals-to have an Endowment Fund balance of $3,500,000 by Dec. 31, 2013, $8,000,000 by Dec. 31, 2020, and $12,000,000 by Dec. 31, 2030.  In order to reach these goals we are set-up to accept planned gifts of life insurance, annuities, stocks, mutual funds, and real estate for estate planning purposes.
 
11. Have the Fund Advisory Committee members contributed to the Sherwood Initiative?
 
All of the Fund Advisory Committee members have made a financial commitment of $108,300 to this cause.  Any size of donation is acceptable.  A primary goal of this project is to solicit contributions from 100% of the Shickley school district patrons since the entire community will be benefiting from future grants that are awarded.  Keep the Shickley Community Foundation in mind with your future planning.

 

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