Dyson Foundation awards grant to community foundation

Chester, NY — The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Dyson Foundation for general operating support and its initiative to expand philanthropy in Orange County. The grant will be payable over a two-year period for fiscal years 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. Speaking for the Dyson Foundation, Director of Programs Michell Speight said, “The foundation’s directors are delighted to award this grant to support philanthropy in Orange County, and they join me in wishing the Community Foundation.” The Dyson Foundation’s mission is to improve and enhance the quality of life in the region for all of its residents, especially those most vulnerable or economically disadvantaged,” said Dyson. “The Dyson Foundation supports the work of community foundations because community foundations assist individuals, businesses, and local organizations in creating permanent, charitable endowment funds which, like the Dyson Foundation, enhance the quality of life throughout our region,” said Speight. In 2006, the Dyson Foundation awarded grants of over $18 million to a wide variety of non-profit organizations supporting the arts, medicine, education, children’s issues, HIV/AIDS prevention and education, and assistance to immigrants, among other program areas. Incorporated in 1999, the Community Foundation is an effective and innovative giving vehicle that combines maximum tax savings and flexibility with the opportunity to make a difference locally. “The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation made it easy for Warren Buffett to accomplish his charitable objectives, and the Community Foundation makes it easy for people of all means to make a difference in their local community,” said Karen VanHouten, executive director of the Community Foundation. “We offer a simple and cost effective way to create a charitable fund that operates much like a private foundation. This grant from the Dyson Foundation supports our work to continue helping individuals, organizations, and businesses establish more charitable endowment funds that will strengthen our communities forever,” VanHouten added. The Community Foundation, since its inception, has awarded over $850,000 in grants and scholarships. For more information, contact Karen VanHouten at the Community Foundation at 845-469-4469.