This month, we highlight The Long Range Success Fund (LRSF) of the OCF. The LRSF is a donor advised fund (DAF) that was established in November of 2023 by an anonymous donor. A DAF allows the donor(s) to be actively involved in grantmaking while streamlining giving.
This donor wanted to honor a relative who was a long-time Gaylord resident and worked as a machinist. Partnering with the OCF and establishing a donor advised fund allowed this donor to have a say in awarding local grants and help support causes that their family member was passionate about. At first, this donor was skeptical of the grant process. As a donor advised fund holder, donors are actively engaged in grantmaking and are made aware of community needs by the OCF and through the Community Grant Program.
After meeting with Amanda Sosa, Director of Donor Services, in the fall of 2023, it was not clear to the fund holder whether appropriate funding opportunities would be available or that this fund would have the desired impact. The donor’s mind changed after taking part in the Community Grant Program, an annual competitive grant cycle, and reading the grant proposals.
“I realized that there were funding opportunities that were spot on and a perfect fit for what I wanted to do with this fund. Participating in the Community Grant Program introduced me to a diversity of options to support that I didn’t know about. It also enlightened me to the needs of this area.”
~ Anonymous Donor
This year, the LRSF helped fund two programs that create opportunities for Otsego County youth—the Gaylord Youth Orchestra and the Kirtland Community Foundation High School Welding Kit grant. The Gaylord Youth Orchestra provides instruments and instruction at no cost to the students for those demonstrating interest in the orchestra. The Kirtland Community Foundation applied for a grant to ensure all GHS students in the welding program for the 2024-2025 school year had their own safety kits. They can take these kits with them upon completion of the program. According to the donor, these programs honor their family member by removing financial barriers that may keep students from pursuing their passions and learning career-building skills. By partnering with the OCF, this donor learned that these programs could benefit from financial assistance and could help them succeed in their missions.
Together we are stronger.