BCF Gives $734,000 to keep Philomath’s Community Pool Open for Another Decade
On October 16, 2018, the Benton Community Foundation announced a major gift of $734,000 from the Philomath Community Pool Fund to the Clemens Community Pool in Philomath. This transformational gift will fund essential repairs and upgrades needed to keep the pool open and operating for another decade. Without this influx of funds, this community resource would have been forced to close its doors in the coming months.
“This gift illustrates how the Foundation works on behalf of local donors to support the programs and issues closest to their hearts,” said Chris Quaka, President and CEO of the Benton Community Foundation. “For almost 60 years, the Philomath pool has been a treasured resource for the residents of rural Benton County. With this gift, the pool can continue to serve as a place for children to safely learn to swim and for people of all ages to socialize, exercise, and build community.”
The endowed fund was established in 1994 by Leonard and Kitty Nitka, with the express intent to maintain a community pool for the greater Philomath community. BCF supports the pool with funds from the endowment every year. Because of prudent fund management, the Foundation can make this significant one-time gift while continuing to support annual operations.
“We are following through on a vision the Nitka family had 25 years ago, keeping their legacy alive by giving this significant gift at this critical time. Everyone can contribute to the needs of our community via the Foundation,” added Ilene Kleinsorge, Vice-Chair, BCF Board of Directors. “This could include donating to the Philomath Community Pool Fund to ensure we continue to have an aquatic resource in this community into the future.”
Read more about the gift
Making an Impact
The Benton Community Foundation works to build and invest resources across the whole of Benton County. In 2017, we funded a project for Philomath Community Services, an organization that provides food, clothing, basic needs, and social services to families and individuals across western Benton County. With funding from BCF, Philomath Community Services was able to install a lift for their food pantry, making it easier for volunteers to move crates of canned food donations in the two-story facility.
Over the next year, we’ll be spotlighting projects in Alsea, Monroe, and throughout rural Benton County that have received support from BCF funding. Many of these projects are made possible because passionate community members have started endowments to ensure the well-being of their communities.
If you are interested in establishing an endowment to support a cause that’s meaningful to you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (541) 753-1603.
2017 Annual Report
In 2017, the Benton Community Foundation distributed more than $780,000 in our local communities. This includes 65 scholarships for local students, such as the $15,000 Lillian and Paul Petri Music Study Scholarship. BCF also awarded grants to 67 area nonprofits and organizations, supporting basic needs, capacity building, arts and culture, science and technology, adult care, and more.
We’re proud to share with you how philanthropy is making an impact for local kids and families across Benton County!
Click here to read the report.
65th Anniversary Celebration
In 1953, members of the Corvallis Rotary Club created a Foundation to advance the common good in our community – looking after the most vulnerable among us and providing opportunities for young people.
Today, their original investment of $1,000 has grown to more than $21 million. With the help of BCF, hundreds of donors have contributed to support local charities, provide scholarships, and build permanent community resources.
We’re excited to celebrate 65 years of investing in our community, while looking ahead to the next 65 years!