As a member of the grassroots “Friends of Tuhey Pool”
organization, Gary Demaree needed no special incentive to donate to the
Foundation fund that supports revitalization to the downtown landmark. “We see
the pool as a community asset,” says Gary, speaking for his colleagues. Still,
when an opportunity came along that doubled his contribution and its impact,
Gary championed the idea. “My gift went to its intended purpose—the
redevelopment of Tuhey Pool—and then Ball Brothers Foundation matched my
donation, dollar for dollar, so the money could accomplish even more in the
broader community.”
Motivation for the matching program was twofold. First, the boards of directors of The Community Foundation and Ball Brothers Foundation wanted to honor the memory of John and Janice Fisher, longtime philanthropists who gave generously to Muncie and Delaware County. Second, the boards knew of the Fishers’ interest in projects that boost the county’s appeal among businesses considering relocation or expansion.
With this in mind, The Community Foundation created the John and Janice Fisher Quality of Place Endowment, and Ball Brothers Foundation agreed to build the fund by matching contributions up to $500,000 over five years. Donors have a choice. They can give directly to the Fisher Fund, or they can donate to any of the 15 agencies that maintain endowments at The Community Foundation and support Quality of Place projects. In either case the matching dollars will accumulate in the Fisher Fund and be available for future Quality of Place efforts. Taken together, the gifts and matching funds have the potential to make $1 million in tangible improvements to the community.
“The concept might seem a little complicated,” says Gary Demaree, “but what it comes down to is this: Donors have a rare opportunity to double the effectiveness of their gifts. To me, that’s a real benefit.”
