By Sherri Ellington Community members and organizations that want to take part in the new LamarGives365 fundraising project could see their money doubled. A group of anonymous donors have agreed to match the total donations. So, far, 68 donors have signed up. The matching grant was offered when there were 47 donors so the next 26 will be matched. There will be a kickoff event Oct. 2 at the Depot Plaza from 5-7 p.m. It will be the last day to sign up. LamarGives365 is a new program of the Barnesville-Lamar Community Foundation designed to bring people together to improve the community. Each person gives $365 a year ‘“ $1 a day ‘“ to create a grant pool to fund a variety of local aid efforts. The Barnesville Lamar Community Foundation is a local center for philanthropy. The foundation works with individuals, families, corporations, private foundations and nonprofi t organizations to carry out their charitable objectives and address emerging community issues. It was founded in 2006 as an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia by a group of citizens interested in encouraging philanthropy and strengthening the community. Donors make possible the foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life for the people of Barnesville and Lamar County. LamarGives365 is just one of its programs. Donors can choose to be as involved in the process as they want as they learn about local nonprofits and meet and exchange ideas with like-minded people. Each will have a vote on which organizations receive a grant. Members include vice chair Bruce Akins, Phillip Bell, treasurer Michael Brutz, Andy Bush, Pat Edwards, Tom Gardner, Charles Glass, Bill Lindsey, Jeff Manley, secretary Tammie Merritt, chairman Noel Riggins and George Weldon. The 365 program will give half its money back this year in the form of grants. The rest will form endowments for later use. ’Members will be the ones who decide where the money goes,’ said Glass. ‘I think this will be great for our community.’ For information contact any member or visit lamargives.org. Seminars and signup periods for nonprofits who want to apply for grants will open in November.
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