Sisters At Heart Seedling Fund Has Sprouted!

Waldorf, Maryland, March 10, 2011: In April 2010 with only $1500.00, Sisters At Heart, a group of breast cancer survivors created with the hope to make a difference in the lives of men and women diagnosed with breast cancer, created the Sisters At Heart Seedling Fund. The minimum amount needed to start a regular Fund is $5000 for nonprofits, governmental entities and educational institutions and $10,000 for individuals, families, giving circles and corporations. “So, for those who do not have the minimum required amount on hand to start a Fund, a Seedling Fund would be a great alternative”, stated Gretchen Heinze Hardman, Executive Director. “Seed funds offer individuals and charities an option to build charitable assets over several years.”

With the Community Foundation’s Seedling Fund, charitable entities are allowed three years to reach the $5000 minimum and five years for the $10,000 minimum. During the ‘incubation’ period no distributions/grants are allowed from the fund, but contributions to the fund and tax deductions from the Foundation are given to help grow the Fund.

In less than one year, Sisters At Heart not only reached their goal, but surpassed it! Their seeds have sprouted and they are now an official fund and are able to provide twice as much breast cancer support, awareness and education for the community. “Members of the Sisters At Heart are grateful to the community for helping us meet our goal. We would also like to thank the local merchants for their generous support with gifts and certificates for our breast cancer events,” stated Roberta Kieliger, Sisters At Heart, Coordinator.

The Community Foundation of Charles County is a bridge connecting donors to charities. We connect people who care to causes that matter. You may know precisely which organizations you want to support or you may not. In either case, we can help you design a grant making program that fits your needs and carries out your charitable intent forever.

We hope you will choose to follow in the steps of Sisters At Heart and establish your own named fund that will support our community for years to come. To donate to the Sisters At Heart Fund or to any of the named Funds created at the Community Foundation, contact the Community Foundation at 301.885.0108 or check us out on the web at www.somdgiving.org.