Petoskey~Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation Endowment Exceeds $10 Million

Established in 1992, the Petoskey~Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation’s endowment has grown to over $10 million. The community foundation has distributed grants totalling more than $4 million to meet urgent needs, launch innovative programs, enhance existing services, and nurture all that is good in the area. Donations to the community foundation are highly tax favored. A married couple making a $400 gift to the Community Foundation is entitled to a $200 Michigan Income Tax Credit along with a $112 Federal Income Tax Deduction (assuming itemized deductions in the 28% tax bracket), resulting in a net cost to the couple after taxes of only $88. This is a great way to leverage your charitable giving to the maximum benefit for our wonderful communities.

Little Traverse Conservancy Protects Over 25,000 Acres of Land

I just received my copy of the Little Traverse Conservancy’s 2004 annual report. The conservancy was established in 1972 as a non-profit land conservation organization working in Emmet, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa and Mackinac Counties. Its mission is to protect the natural diversity and beauty of northern Michigan by preserving significant land and scenic areas, and fostering appreciation and understanding of the environment. With the support of more than 4,100 members, including my family, LTC has worked with landowners to protect more than 25,000 acres of land with 70 miles of shoreline along Northern Michigan’s streams, rivers and lakes.