Reasons for Giving

What does the Plymouth Community Foundation offer?

• Philanthropy – The Foundation allows you to share the results of your hard work and good fortune for the betterment of the Plymouth community.
• Tax Benefit – Donations are deductible to the extent allowed by IRS code. The Foundation holds 501(c)3 status.
• Security – Our alignment with the Minnesota Community Foundation and their professional investment and granting services assures security and the sound management of gifts and funds.
• Perpetuity – Funds may be established with the assurance that the proceeds will benefit the community well beyond the donor’s lifetime.
• Simplicity – One gift may benefit numerous initiatives and activities.
• Continuity – Gifts can continue to provide benefit over a period of years.

Who Benefits?

The citizens of Plymouth and surrounding areas benefit. The Foundation supports the funding of initiatives that promote cultural, environmental, social and educational activities in the Plymouth community. Grants will initially be focused in these areas or other areas as directed by the donors.

A Case for Support:

 "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...".  We have all heard the opening line from A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens.  One might argue that this quote applies to life today in Plymouth.  From a perspective of “the best of times,” in a recent survey 95% of residents rated the quality of life in Plymouth as “excellent” or “good.”  In fact, virtually every measurable element of the survey indicated that residents are very satisfied with their community.  We are fortunate to live or work in an active, healthy, vibrant and growing community with exceptional services, amenities and opportunities for personal enrichment.

So, where does "the worst of times" apply?  Today's exceptionally high quality of life in Plymouth is the direct result of investments made in the past.  Times have changed.  There is now unprecedented financial pressure on state and local units of government and social service providers.  Our city government, the local school districts, many private and public service agencies, and voluntary groups have been forced to cut back or eliminate services, programs and amenities.  Costs continue to escalate and needs continue to grow.  There is simply not enough money to make the investments that were made in the past. Coupled with this, there is understandable ongoing pressure to stabilize or reduce the tax burden.  All things considered, with inadequate investment toward the future, the quality of life in Plymouth could easily erode.
This is where the Plymouth Community Foundation can play an important role.  The Foundation was created for the purpose of preserving and enhancing the quality of life in the Plymouth community.  Through selective funding the Foundation helps fill the void in community projects, services or amenities that fall within our scope and areas of focus.

Our Mission:

"The Plymouth Community Foundation encourages philanthropic endeavors by attracting and administering funds intended to enrich life in Plymouth"

There are several ways for an individual, family or business to channel money through the Plymouth Community Foundation.

Another type of giving could include special purpose gifts, such as memorials, honorariums, gifts to honor a living person, or gifts to commemorate a special occasion or anniversary.

Funds collected through the efforts of the Foundation will be channeled to other non-profit groups.  Our alignment with the Minnesota Community Foundation and its professional investment and granting services assures the sound management of gifts and funds.  Through scrutiny of the grant-making process, the Foundation will distribute funds or provide direct financial support for projects consistent with our values and goals.  Due to our affiliation with the Minnesota Community Foundation and its 501(c)(3) tax status, funds collected by the Plymouth Community Foundation are tax deductible to the extent allowed by IRS code.

In Dickens’ closing line from A Tale of Two Cities he wrote, “It is a far better thing that I do than I have ever done….”  Your generosity and ongoing support of the Plymouth Community Foundation will make an impact on life in Plymouth today and help ensure that future generations will experience the high standards and quality of life we have learned to enjoy and value.  Thank you for your investment in the future.