Celebrating Gratitude and Community Spirit in Solon
As the leaves finish falling and the crisp air settles over Johnson County, our thoughts naturally turn toward Thanksgiving. It is a season defined by warmth, family gatherings, and the aroma of roasted turkey filling our homes. However, here in Solon, Thanksgiving represents something even deeper. It is a time to reflect on the incredible spirit of generosity that defines our town.
At the Solon Area Community Foundation, we have the unique privilege of witnessing this generosity firsthand throughout the year. We see it in the dedicated volunteers who serve on local boards. We see it in the neighbors who rally around those facing hard times. Most of all, we see it in the donors who entrust us with their charitable giving to ensure Solon remains a vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family.
This post is our open letter of thanks to you. It is also an exploration of how local philanthropy creates a ripple effect that touches nearly every corner of our community.
The Power of Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Living in a tight-knit community like Solon means that we are more than just residents sharing a zip code. We are a support system. When you look around our town, you see the tangible results of this support system in action. From the preservation of our local history to the enhancement of our recreational trails and parks, charitable contributions fuel the projects that make Solon special.
Thanksgiving provides the perfect backdrop to acknowledge the donors who make this possible. Many people do not realize that the Solon Area Community Foundation acts as a bridge. We connect those who want to give back with the organizations that need support the most. Whether it is a small donation to a specific fund or a major legacy gift, every dollar stays right here. It works to improve the quality of life for your neighbors.
This model of local philanthropy ensures that your gifts are efficient and effective. Instead of sending funds off to a national organization where you might never see the result, giving through SACF means you might see the impact on your way to the grocery store or while attending a school event.
Impact That Lasts Beyond the Holiday Season
While we pause to give thanks in November, the needs of our community continue year-round. Fortunately, the impact of the Solon Area Community Foundation is designed to be evergreen. By managing permanent endowment funds, we ensure that the generosity of today continues to support Solon for generations to come.
Consider the various sectors of our community that benefit from grant distributions. Our local schools receive support for scholarships and educational enhancements that tax dollars may not cover. Local nonprofits dedicated to arts, culture, and human services rely on grants to keep their lights on and their programs running. Public projects, such as improvements to emergency services or community infrastructure, often get their start through seed money provided by foundation grants.
When you sit down at your Thanksgiving table this year, you can take pride in knowing that Solon is a community that takes care of its own. If you have contributed to the Foundation in the past, you are a silent partner in these success stories. You are part of the reason a student can afford college tuition. You are part of the reason our seniors have access to better resources. That is a legacy worth celebrating.
Why Place-Based Giving Matters
In the world of charitable giving, there is a concept known as place-based philanthropy. It is the idea that focusing resources on a specific geographic area creates a compound interest of good. Solon serves as a perfect example of this. When we invest in our local youth, they grow up to become the business owners and civic leaders of tomorrow. When we invest in our local amenities, we attract new families and keep property values strong.
This Thanksgiving, we encourage you to think about what “place” means to you. For many of us, Solon is more than just a location. It is the backdrop of our memories. It is where we cheered at Friday night football games. It is where we made lifelong friends. Supporting the Solon Area Community Foundation is the most direct way to honor those memories and ensure that future generations have the same opportunities.
We are fortunate to live in Eastern Iowa, a region known for its work ethic and its heart. The statistics regarding charitable giving in Iowa consistently show that Iowans are among the most generous people in the nation. Solon residents are certainly no exception to this rule. Your willingness to give, volunteer, and advocate for our town is what keeps our foundation strong.
Looking Ahead: Year-End Giving Opportunities
As we enjoy our Thanksgiving feasts, we also approach the end of the calendar year. For many individuals and business owners, this is a critical time for tax planning. It is also the most popular time for charitable giving. We want to remind our donors that gifts made to the Solon Area Community Foundation may be eligible for significant tax advantages.
One specific benefit available to Iowa donors is the Endow Iowa Tax Credit. This program allows taxpayers to receive a 25% state tax credit for gifts made to permanent endowment funds at a qualified community foundation. This is in addition to the normal federal charitable income tax deduction. It is a rare win-win scenario where you can maximize your tax savings while maximizing the good you do for Solon.
If you are considering a year-end gift, we are here to help. We can assist you in directing your donation to a specific cause you are passionate about, or you can contribute to our unrestricted fund which allows us to address the most pressing needs of the community as they arise. Whether it is cash, stocks, or grain donations, we have the expertise to handle your gift efficiently.
A Message of Thanks from Our Board
The Board of Directors at the Solon Area Community Foundation wants to extend a heartfelt thank you to every individual, family, and business that has supported our mission. We are volunteer-run, meaning our dedication stems from a pure love for this community. However, we could not do what we do without the trust and financial support of people like you.
We are thankful for the trust you place in us to manage these funds responsibly. We are thankful for the grant recipients who work tirelessly to execute their missions. And we are thankful for the spirit of unity that makes Solon such a wonderful place to call home.
As you gather with family and friends this week, we hope your hearts are as full as your plates. Let us carry this spirit of gratitude forward, not just for the holiday weekend, but into the coming year. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant Solon.
Contact Solon Area Community Foundation
If you have questions about how to make a donation or how to apply for a grant, we would love to hear from you. We are always happy to discuss how we can help you achieve your philanthropic goals.
Solon Area Community Foundation
126 S Market / P.O. Box 129
Solon, IA 52333
You can learn more about our work and our history by visiting our About SACF page. If you are ready to reach out, please visit our Contact page to get in touch.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at SACF!