Public invited to discuss proposed community fund

STRONG – Area residents are invited to learn more about a proposed community fund for Strong on Tuesday, Sept. 21.

The Strong Investment Committee will host Maine Community Foundation staff on community endowments from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Forster Building.

Laura Young, vice president of philanthropy with the Maine Community Foundation, will discuss options for community endowments.

Last year, a group of Strong residents began discussing the possibility of creating a special fund to support community and economic development.

Communities in Maine and nationally are creating local endowment funds to support activities ranging from tax relief to historical buildings. For example, in Maine, the Peaks Island Fund supports charitable projects on Peaks Island and Casco Bay. In Hopkinton, Mass., a group of residents has raised more than $300,000 for a fund, with interest to help pay for infrastructure projects.

For planning purposes, RSVPs are requested by Monday. To RSVP or for more information contact [email protected] or Jeff O’Donnell at 684-3198.

Trail maintenance, tourist events, scholarships and property tax relief are some of the activities the Strong group has suggested as possible investments of a similar fund. The community is invited to learn more and contribute their ideas at a meeting Sept. 21 hosted by the Strong Investment Committee of David Dixon, Jeff O’Donnell and Dean Stanley.