Posted on December 1, 2012

Community Foundation Update (12/01/12)

California

The Santa Barbara Foundation has announced the establishment of the Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts to benefit nonprofit performing arts organizations and their venues in Southern California. A lifelong supporter of theater, dance, and music, Michael Towbes, along with his wife, Anne Smith Towbes, previously led the $60 million effort to restore the Santa Barbara Performing Arts Center at the Granada Theater and was instrumental in preserving KDB 93.7 FM as a classical music radio station in Santa Barbara. Funding for the gift comes from the couple's donation of a limited partnership interest in a property in Santa Barbara, with grants from the fund to be distributed over the next fifteen years to organizations seeking to further their missions of providing quality performances and art opportunities in the area.

The Boise-based Idaho Community Foundation has announced that its southwest regional grants panel has selected eighty-three area nonprofits, educational organizations, and governmental entities to receive nearly $163,000 in grants. Recipients include the ACLU of Idaho Foundation, Boise Rescue Mission, Idaho Voices for Children Foundation, and the Organization Assisting The Homeless Student (OATHS).

The Pratt-based South Central Community Foundation has awarded more than $9,500 in grants to organizations in Pratt County, the Wellington Daily News reports. Recipients include the Pratt County 4-H Council, the B-29 Museum, Skyline Schools, and Youth for Christ.

The Cape Cod Foundation has announced that, in partnership with the Bilezikian Family Foundation and the Edward Bangs Kelley and Elza Kelley Foundation, it is offering the Board Roles to Board Goals workshop to local nonprofit board members and executive directors on Tuesday, February 7, 2013. The presenter is Jay Vogt of Peoplesworth. Board chairs and nonprofit executive directors are encouraged to attend the workshop together.

The Joplin-based Community Foundation of Southwest Missouri, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, has announced a $20,000 grant to the Joplin Daybreak Rotary Foundation for its Will Norton Miracle Field and Playground, which will enable children with disabilities to take part in sports and outdoor recreation. In addition to the grant from the foundation's Joplin Recovery Fund, CFSWMO also promised $25,000 in matching funds to the Joplin Daybreak Rotary Foundation to help with future contributions as the Rotary Foundation continues to raise funds to make the Miracle Field a reality. The field is named for Will Norton, one of the first victims killed by the tornado that devastated the community on May 22, 2011.

According to the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa,its nine affiliated county community foundations have provided grants and scholarships totaling more than $7 million since 2000. The Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa comprises community foundations in Audubon, Cass, Crawford, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, and Shelby counties, all of which are affiliates of the Omaha Community Foundation.

The Community Foundation of Utah in Salt Lake City has awarded the Steven Magleby Memorial Law Student Fellowship to Laura Neilson, a third-year law student at the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah. Established in 2000, the fellowship provides funding to an outstanding law student who demonstrates a devotion to the rights of people with disabilities.

The Oshkosh Area Community Foundation has named Amy Putzer as director of programs.