Founded in the early years of the 19th century, Eden has long been known for its agricultural community and quiet, rural way of life. It is a community where tradition is important - a community that has placed its trust in solid values and the significance of family, friends, and neighbors.

As we move into a new century, Eden is a community in flux. There are new populations with different needs… traditional agricultural businesses compete with the demands of commuters whose jobs take them away from the town; small, local retailers struggle against the domination of nearby malls and plazas. The ease of transportation has made this country retreat an accessible address. Despite its growth, Eden retains a sense of place; it remains a community that generates strong ties.

And we know there are many who would welcome the opportunity to make a meaningful philanthropic commitment to this community - a legacy that will last into the next century.

The Eden Community Foundation, Inc.

Early in 1998 a group of twenty-two community members began to meet to discuss the possibility of creating a community foundation that would provide a new source of funding for activities and projects to enhance life in Eden. While taxation has historically provided the funding for resources within any community, these funds are generally allocated to highways, fire departments, schools - the major infra-structures of a town. The goal of The Eden Community Foundation is to provide funds for projects that fall outside that framework but would enhance life in this community and create a more desirable place to live.

Choosing Projects to Fund

Needs and nonprofit agencies may change over the course of the years, but funds given to the Eden Community Foundation will represent the philanthropic legacies of donors forever. Direction of the Eden Community Foundation will always remain in the control of Eden residents… people who live in this community, who understand this community, and who will act in its best interest to provide for the residents of this community.

A committee will review project proposals on a regular basis and assess specific funding needs. The Eden Community Foundation is not a scholarship-granting organization. The intent is not to provide funds to individuals, but to fund projects that will benefit the community as a whole or significant segments of it. While it is impossible to predict actual proposals that will be funded, theoretical projects might include the creation of a community center, a town-wide beautification project, enhanced cultural programs, additional funding for programs at the Historical Society, or other ideas that would benefit the Town of Eden.

Ways of Giving

Gifts may be made in several ways to The Eden Community Foundation. The most common are outright gifts of cash, securities, real estate or personal properties or a bequest made through a will of any of these.

The Eden Community Foundation was established to help community members achieve their individual philanthropic goals and provide them with a vehicle that allows them to keep their bequests working within the community that has been their home. With prudent management, they will help the existing and future charitable needs of this community.

You do not have to be wealthy to leave a legacy to Eden. A gift of any size to the Eden Community Foundation is welcome and shows your concern that future generations will be able to appreciate and enjoy a certain quality of life here in Eden. The impact of even a small gift is increased because the funds are pooled and a minimum of 5% of the value of the Foundation's holdings will be used each year. (Contributions of any amount are tax deductible.)

Seek Professional Advice

Many gifts and bequests to the Eden Community Foundation can be made by simply making a cash donation, but in some cases they should be planned with appropriate advice from your attorney or tax advisor. Before making a contribution you may wish to contact a professional in estate planning to ensure that your best interests are considered. Members of the Eden Community Foundation board can assist you in determining if this is a step you need to take.

The Advisory Committee

Members of The Eden Community Foundation Advisory Committee are community volunteers who serve without compensation. The Board of Directors includes: Susan Cardamone, William Carpenter, David Clemens, Gary Eye, Pamela Henrich, Linda Meyer, Glenn Nellis, Gary Neureuter, and Terry Zittel.

Your input is critical to the success of the Eden Community Foundation. We welcome your comments, your suggestions, and your involvement in this endeavor.

The Mission Statement

The Eden Community Foundation, Inc. is a privately funded foundation established to strengthen and improve the quality of life in the Town of Eden. It fulfills its mission by encouraging private giving for the public good, and providing resources for a broad range of existing and future community needs.

The Eden Community Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 96
Eden, New York 14057
(716)992-4799
E-mail address:edenfund@yahoo.com