In 1990, Crèche established an endowment fund with the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. This endowment fund will perpetuate the organization’s mission by providing funds on an annual basis.

 

Recently, Sue Jones, president of Crèche, Inc., paid a visit to the CRCF office. During the conversation, it was interesting to learn that Crèche’s and CRCF’s mission are similar in that both organizations look to provide assistance to the community - for now and for the future. Ms. Jones shared with us a 1952 statement made by Mrs. Richard Reading, president of Crèche.  Mrs. Reading stated, “May those who are privileged to carry on this work, at this time and in the future, always bear in mind that Crèche was founded on love, charity and goodwill and with God’s Help may we prove ourselves worthy of the trust placed upon us.” 

 

The story of Crèche, however, started long before 1952. In 1900, Mrs. Frank Gifford (Josephine Fenton Gifford) suggested that her daughter and her friends meet during Lent to sew garments for babies in WCA Hospital. Interest in helping needy children quickly escalated; and, within a few years, the organization that these young women formed grew in numbers and in scope. Today, Crèche continues to provide between $25,000 and $30,000 each year to help needy children in the Jamestown area.

 

CRCF feels privileged to be able to assist Crèche “to carry on their work” by providing a financial vehicle which annually supports their efforts. 

 

What does CRCF do for an organizational endowment fund? First, we accept tax deductible donations from the community for the fund.   Second, we invest donations for growth over time. Third, the return on investment is given back to the organization through an annual grant.

 

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation invites all charitable organizations to consider an endowment fund. The fund can be initiated with any size of a contribution but must reach $5,000 in 5 years to begin providing annual grants.

 

If you are interested in contributing to the Crèche Endowment Fund or starting a new endowment fund, please contact CRCF at 661-3390. At any time, the Community Foundation staff is happy to make an endowment fund presentation to interested non-profit organizations. 

 

Additionally, donations to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation are always welcome in memory/or in honor of special individuals and are especially appropriate for endowment funds.