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April 11, 2009

Enid Community Foundation makes the funding stretch

By Robert Barron, Staff Writer The Enid News and Eagle Sat Apr 11, 2009, 09:34 PM CDT

Enid Community Foundation has put more than $3 million into the Garfield County community through grants and donor designated funds since its beginning in 2001.

Executive Director Ashley Ewbank said the ECF priority continues to be growing endowment funds and serving the charitable needs of the community. A training session for local nonprofit organizations, based on the needs of Enid, is being considered for the future, she said.

“Our relationships are established in the community, and that relays the value of Enid Community Foundation to donors,” Ewbank said. “People come to use with giving hearts, and we follow our donors’ intents. We do what they want, and that builds trust.”

The foundation also has a good relationship with local nonprofit organizations, and Ewbank said she plans to continue to build those relationships so the foundation will continue to gain donors.

In 2008, Enid Community Foundation awarded $500,000 to area agencies, even during a down economy. Earnings from the fund can be used to match permanent endowments established for the benefit of local, nonprofit agencies, which will help nonprofit entities address community needs quicker by compounding the value of the funds through matching funds. The gift is a permanent source of capital.

Ewbank recently completed her third week as executive director, succeeding Mary Stallings. Stallings worked with her for two weeks on day-to-day operation of the foundation. Ewbank originally is from Hennessey. She and husband, Andrew, have two boys, Baylor, 6, and Wade, 2.

“This is a great opportunity” Ewbank said. “My husband and I were raised in this part of the state, and we think it is a great place to invest our time, in this community, to ensure quality of life to our kids.”

Ewbank is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a degree in journalism and public relations.

She previously served as March of Dimes North Central Division executive officer.

A major goal for the foundation has been to convince individuals not to delay estate planning, and when planning to remember Enid Community Foundation has a number of options for donors of all sizes to make an impact on the Enid community.

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It all starts with giving hearts

Enid Community Foundation makes the funding stretch

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