Jim Kitchell, Spruce Society Member

“When one reflects on what has been important to them throughout their lifetime, there are several things that will usually come to mind . . . family, friends, church, school–and another is community.  That’s what the Spruce Society is all about.  It provides the opportunity to create a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit our community after one has passed on.  Whether it be Historic Preservation, Scholarships, Parks and Recreation, Health and Welfare, or Youth Activities, there are many ways that you can leave a mark through the Montrose Community Foundation.  I have!  For more information, contact the MCF and ask about the Spruce Society.”  Jim Kitchell

Endow your passion . . . . Let us help!  Contact the Foundation to learn more about planned giving options through the Spruce Society.  We are able to accept gifts of different kinds and direct them into funds that will accomplish your charitable intent.  Here is a structural overview of the Spruce Society:

A menu of planned giving options is available through the Montrose Community Foundation.  The Spruce Society includes a collection of legacy funds that offers donors a venue to provide for needs that they have supported during their lifetime in their estate plans.  For example, a donor who has supported the work of Christ’s Kitchen or Sharing Ministries would be able to designate the Foundation as the recipient of their estate gift (gifts to be accepted would be evaluated on an individual basis) through a specific legacy fund identified to serve the specific charitable purpose of caring for basic human needs.  Donors would be assured that their gift would be given to the most effective organization serving the community at that time.

It is the intent of the Foundation that these legacy funds be held as endowments.  Each fund is structured to grow to a minimum level of $100,000 before income is granted back to the community.  Upon reaching this endowment level, the Foundation would strive to award 4% annually.  Additional legacy funds could be added for donors who would like to make a gift of $100,000 or more for a specific charitable purpose.  Gifts of less than $100,000 would be received into one of the following funds related to the donor’s passion:

Legacy Fund #1:  Community Development

The Community Development Legacy Fund serves the community through the facilitation of activities that promote the healthy growth of the greater Montrose community.  Examples of entities supported through the Community Development Fund include:

• Shavano Petroglyph Project
• San Juan Cancer Center
• Montrose Senior Transportation
• Montrose Community Dental Clinic
• Montrose Meth Coalition
• Montrose Animal Shelter

Legacy Fund #2:  Youth Development

Provide for the future of our community’s young people through this legacy fund.  The focus of this fund is supporting organizations that develop the “total child.”  Supported organizations through this fund currently include:

• Climbing Tree Children’s Museum
• Girls on the Run
• Skate Park
• Child Advocacy Center
• Western Colorado Council of Boy Scouts
• Dolphin House

Legacy Fund #3:  Education

Recognizing that education promotes healthy communities, this legacy fund provides for educational opportunities for specific issues, post-secondary and support for educational institutions best serving the community.  Examples of grant support in this area include:

• Adult Basic Education
• Academic Booster Club
• Midwestern Suicide Prevention Coalition
• Montrose RE-IJ Schools

Legacy Fund #4:  Basic Human Needs

This fund will provide for basic human needs of individuals in the areas of food, shelter, clothing by providing grant support to organizations best serving individuals and families in the greater Montrose Community.  Examples of grant support in this area include:

• Sharing Ministries
• Christ’s Kitchen
• Habitat for Humanity
• Shoes for Kids
• Salvation Army

Legacy Fund #5:  Arts/Literature

The greater Montrose community is enriched through this endowment which provides grant support to organizations serving the community through arts and literature.  Examples of entities supported through the Arts/Literature Fund include:

• Magic Circle Players
• Valley Youth Orchestra
• Montrose Regional Library District
• Montrose Children’s Theater
• Public Art Experience (PAX)
• Montrose High School: English/Drama Department

Legacy Fund #6:  Forever Fund

The Forever Fund is the unrestricted endowment through the Foundation.   Created in 1989, this fund quickly grew to reach the $100,000 mark and has far surpassed that providing grant support to a wide range of worthwhile organizations.  This fund currently serves the needs of legacy funds that have not yet reached the $100,000 level.