We were blown away by the generosity at this year’s Giving Spree. Donors gave more than two million dollars to support the work of 95 local nonprofits.

The Giving Spree was created a decade ago to highlight generosity as a shared community value and it certainly shone brightly this year! Hundreds of people made thousands of gifts. Whether you gave, sponsored, volunteered, or all three: Thank you!

For those of you who have not checked off the Giving Spree on your “to-do” list, or if you are still looking for the perfect gift for that special someone, here’s some food for thought.

The Community Foundation’s main purpose is to grow a permanent civic endowment. That is, a collection of charitable funds, invested for the long-term to benefit this community today and forever. That’s why at this year’s Giving Spree we offered the option of “forever gifts” – gifts to endowment – to support any of the participating nonprofits. For each nonprofit that donors selected for a forever gift there is now a permanent endowment fund with its name on it at the Community Foundation. 

Donors responded in a big way. When the clock struck midnight on the day of the Giving Spree, 55 new endowments designated for specific Adams County nonprofits had been created by donors focused on their favorite organizations’ future as well as their current needs. That’s the largest number of endowments the Community Foundation has ever created in a single year, let alone in a single day.

Those endowments are permanent. The gifts received are invested and each year the Community Foundation will calculate a portion of each fund to be sent to the designated nonprofit as a grant. Each year that annual grant supports the important work of that nonprofit.

These endowments can accept new gifts from any donor, at any time. That means if you missed the Giving Spree, or if you are feeling extra generous, you can still support your favorite nonprofit with a forever gift to its endowment at the Community Foundation.

From social services to schools, performing arts to puppies, we have a charitable fund that supports what you love about Adams County. Let your family and friends know that preserving our history, educating our children or caring for the environment is important by making a forever gift in their name.

This Christmas, feed someone, shelter someone, or nurture their spirit and soul with a gift to a Community Foundation endowment. Your gifts can help people at every stage of life and keep this community connected and vibrant.

The Giving Spree may be all wrapped up, but you can still put a bow on it.

Visit our Funds List for a list of endowments you can support or give us a call at 717-337-0060

Ralph Serpe is President & CEO of the Adams County Community Foundation.