Jill's Journal: There's free money to be had, Brandon area folks!

I bet the headline caught your attention.

If it did, then it served its purpose well.

If not, and you were still drawn here, please read on – it won’t cost you a dime and may even put a few dollars in your pocket for a good cause – a community cause, that is.

So, just where is this “free money for the taking” coming from?

The Brandon Community Foundation’s annual grant awards is the answer.

And folks, there’s money to be had. Earlier this month, I reported the BCF has just under $27,000 to divvy out in 2017.

And that’s where you and your non-profit organization fit in. For nine more days this month – yes, the 29^th is the deadline – the Foundation board of directors encourages you or your organization to apply for a piece of the community fund pie. After all, that’s what the program was designed to do.

Local movers and shakers have worked to grow the permanent fund endowment to more than $600,000, of which a certain percentage of the fund is earmarked to be doled out annually. Over the last 10 years, the BCF has granted more than $101,000 to a variety of community endeavors. Recreational endeavors, health and public safety, education and the arts have all been enhanced by grant awards from this fund.

Do you have a question as to what qualifies for funding? If the purpose is charitable and will benefit the community, the project or event likely qualifies. You can also learn more about the grant details on the BCF website, brandoncf.org. Board members – who are listed on the website – are also happy to help you understand the process.

The grants are awarded at the BCF’s annual Oak & Vine fundraising event. This year’s Oak & Vine is planned for Friday, Oct. 27 at the Brandon Miunicipal Golf Course. I encourage you to put the date on your calendar and make plans to attend. It’s a casual evening filled with food, fellowship and community spirit. 

It’s events like the Oak & Vine and the organization’s annual golf tournament, the Jimmie Fjerestad Memorial Golf Tournament, along with donations that makes this fund grow and the grant awards possible.

The Oak & Vine is also the BCF’s opportunity to recognize someone in the Brandon area who’s done their part to make Brandon a “better place to live, work and play.” Past recipients have included the late Jimmie Fjerestad, Dick Pickering, Dennis Olson and last year’s honoree, the late Gene Johnson, who was the man behind the vision of the BCF, now in its 11^th year. Although the deadline has passed to submit nominations for this year’s Community Spirit Award, again, I encourage you to be thinking of someone to nominate next year and in the years to come.

I also encourage you to check out the BCF website, brandoncf.org, and while you’re there, why not download the grant application for your church group, community organization and the like. After all, there’s free money to be had – all to benefit the people of the Brandon area.