BARNESVILLE COMMUNITY FUND
The Barnesville Community Fund began in 1990 with the formation of a community revolving load fund. Since then the fund has made a significant difference in the lives of many Barnesville area families, businesses and organizations.

About the Fund
The Barnesville Community Fund began in 1990 with the formation of a community revolving loan fund, with $15,000 being raised from contributions in the Barnesville area.

Since 1990, several loans have been made from the monies to assist new businesses start-ups. In 1994 it was decided that expanding the Community Fund to include the granting and educational areas would be beneficial to Barnesville organizations and the whole community.

Currently the fund balance stands at $560,837.

How does it work?
The Community Fund operates in cooperation with the West Central Initiative under the direction of a local advisory board. The Fund receives donations from individuals, families, businesses and charitable organizations.

These funds are invested and locally accounted for by West Central Initiative, a 501(c) 3 non-profit public foundation, and are available through an application process to meet the needs of the community.

The advisory board is responsible for monitoring the fund and assisting the community by working with grant seekers and donors.

Who benefits?
All of the citizens in the Barnesville area benefit from the fund. The Barnesville Area Community Fund is set up to provide assistance in these three specific areas:

• REVOLVING LOANS
  This fund is designed to provide loans for the start-up, expansion or succession of businesses in the Barnesville area. These funds help bridge financial gaps between businesses and lending institutions.

• EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
  Working through the Barnesville Dollars for Scholars program, this fund is used to support scholarships for Barnesville High School graduates.

• COMMUNITY GRANTS
  This fund is designed to assist in the funding of selected activities which promote quality arts, charitable, civic, community development, educational, environmental and health programs in the Barnesville area.
  
  
• BARNESVILLE SCHOOL FOUNDATION
  The fund provides funds for school programs & student activities to enhance the quality of education.
  
  
• HUMANITARIAN FUND
  This fund assists area residents who have suffered a tragic loss

Can you help?
Contributions to the Barnesville Area Community Fund are a solid investment in the Barnesville community.

DONATIONS MAY INCLUDE:
Cash gifts, real estate, securities, or personal properties.

DEFERRED GIFTS MAY INCLUDE:
Bequests, life insurance, or trusts with charitable provisions.

SPECIAL PURPOSE GIFTS MAY INCLUDE:
A memorial in honor of a departed person, a gift to honor a living person, or a gift to commemorate a special occasion.

Donations are deductible to the extent allowed by the IRS codes. Funds may be established in the name of a family, friend, or organization with assurance that the proceeds will benefit the community well beyond the donors lifetime.

Besides designating the type of activity that the donation will go to support, donors to the scholarship and grant funds may also stipulate that their gifts be used as an endowment, where the principle is protected and only the earnings are used.

For More Information Contact Barnesville Area Community Fund; PO Box 461; Barnesville, MN 56514 (218) 354-2145 or (800) 354-7570.

Members of the Advisory Board are also available to speak with individuals, groups and organizations about the work of the Barnesville Area Community Fund.