In the six years since the Upper Lachlan Foundation was established, it has almost $270,000 invested.
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From its beginnings and distributions of $5200 in 2012, to $11,000 in grants given to 15 recipients in 2017, as well as an additional $18,000 to fund investors.
Charlie Prell, secretary said the next round of applications is open and community based organisations have been encouraged to apply.
The foundation has formed commercial partnerships with Lindner Socks, Crookwell Potato Association and more recently with Ric Opie Real Estate, and supported community organisations including, schools, sporting clubs and charitable organisations.
In December, due to the overwhelming administration work they employed an administrative assistant.
Previous to this all costs were pro-bono, and the Board Directors remain voluntary.
The initiative started with Garry Kadwell during the early millennium drought, when he held a ‘Look after Your Mates’ lunch in Crookwell.
The foundation tapped into the resource in the community to be prepared for when the next drought happened, said Mr Prell.
Which is now, he added.
It is about keeping the money in the Upper Lachlan Shire, said secretary Charlie Prell.
State Government makes decisions on funding on a whim, and this is about maintaining the area, he added.
“Its objective of giving where we live,” read a letter to members.
The foundation raised money from donations and bequests, said Mr Prell.
It raised the money and then invested it, and used the money on the interest gained.
“It’s an agreement with the community,” he said.
One of the funds the foundation manages is the Lindsay Dove Foundation.
The proceeds of this fund are directed towards the Gunning District Health Service for the benefit of young people, up to 21 years and their families for education, training, rehabilitation or development programs.
And to the relief from temporary homelessness, in circumstances of family violence.
In this case the donor wished to remain anonymous.
“Any person can, and is encouraged to, contribute funds towards this worthy cause,” said Mr Prell.