HeartBeat Summer 2016 | Page 5

new foundation provides $1 million for missouri’s rural communities and agriculture Foundation will be managed by an advisory committee of three FCS Financial employees and three FCS Financial board members. The FCS Financial provides $1 million to fund FCS Financial Rural committee Community and Agriculture Foundation. From left: David Russell, will review all Community Foundation of Central Missouri Board Chair; John Baker, Community Foundation of Central Missouri Executive applications Director; James Nivens, FCS Financial Board Chair; David Janish, and vote on FCS Financial CEO. approvals for submission to the Community To celebrate their 100 year Foundation of Central Missouri anniversary, FCS Financial recently (CFCM) for funding from the launched the FCS Financial Rural Foundation. Approvals will be Community and Agriculture focused on targeted, long-term Foundation to support the investments and will typically be cooperative’s long-term commitment non-recurring. The minimum size to a thriving and prosperous request must be $5000. agricultural industry and rural The Community Foundation communities in Missouri. of Central Missouri (CFCM) will “FCS Financial has been serving manage the Foundation funds and agriculture and rural communities disbursement. CFCM works to for 100 years,” David Janish, FCS expand philanthropy, support nonFinancial CEO, says. “We plan on profits, and engage in key community continuing that mission for the next issues by offering unique ways for 100 years. The Rural Community donors to invest in the community. and Agriculture Foundation is “FCS Financial will make a our ongoing commitment to our positive impact on rural Missouri member-owners, our industry and through the establishment of a the rural communities we call home.” new field of interest fund with the The FCS Financial board of Community Foundation of Central directors approved the creation of the Missouri,” John Baker, Executive Foundation and the initial funding Director, CFCM says. “Such a of $1 million. Requests to the fund uses the available grant dollars donated by FCS Financial in a particular program area, in this case broad-ranging rural and agricultural initiatives, rather than designating gifts to a single organization. Field of interest funds are flexible to meet changing community needs.” All applications must serve the Foundation’s mission statement and meet the CFCM requirements for funding. Requests for funds from the Foundation should include a brief summary outlining the project, information on how the project will benefit Missouri’s agriculture industry or rural communities, a timeline for completion, a budget and contact information. Email requests to [email protected]. HEARTBEAT | SUMMER 2016 5