The Duluth Legacy Endowment Fund is fulfilling its vision of supporting and preserving important community assets and services through private donations, a role even more critical as the city of Duluth and state of Minnesota face record budget shortfalls.
Also known at the Duluth Legacy Fund, it provides grants for arts and culture, education, health and wellness and other activities that help keep the community prosperous and beautiful. It recently announced 2008 allocations totaling $3,000 for the following:
- $1,000 to support the Duluth Public Library's "Book Time with Your Baby" program.
- $1,000 to spruce up Lincoln Park with a basketball court and picnic areas.
- $500 for ski patrols at Chester Bowl.
- $500 for rain gutters at the Harrison Community Recreation Center.
"It is rewarding to see the Duluth Legacy Fund advance early childhood literacy, support outdoor sports and recreation, and help our neighborhoods maintain facilities," said Don Ness, mayor of Duluth. "It is a great example of private support for community-based services."
Recognizing the endowment's important service to the community and its residents, Duluth Legacy Fund leaders have launched a campaign to raise an additional $250,000 in principal. Already, generous community leaders and organizations, including Maurices and the Northland Foundation have promised more than $74,000 in challenge grants to grow the fund and advance its mission.
"As a community, we have a chance to step up and ensure that Duluth's high quality of life remains for generations to come," said George Goldfarb, board member. "People who make a donation now will multiply the impact of their gifts due to matches from these challenge grants."
Interested donors can send checks to the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation at 324 W. Superior St., Suite 212, Duluth, MN 55802 or contribute on line at www.duluthlegacyfund.org . Pledge forms also are available at the Duluth Superior Community Foundation office.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Duluth Legacy Endowment Fund was established in 2005 as a vehicle for Duluth residents, businesses, organizations and friends to support city-sponsored public projects for future generations through private gifts and bequests. The fund has 11 board members, appointed by the mayor and approved by the City Council, all of which are Duluth residents and serve four-year terms. They are responsible for raising funds and distributing grants. Duluth city departments can apply for grants on their own behalf or sponsor projects proposed by local charitable organizations. The Duluth Legacy Endowment Fund is a fund of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation.
-- City of Duluth press release
