Summer 2009
In This Issue
KRCF News | Spotlight on: Kansas Barn Alliance Fund
Charitable Tax Information | State Grants & Deadlines
KRCF News .................................................................
2008 Annual Report Now Available
The Community Foundation's 2008 Annual Report is now available in print as
well as an online PDF. To download the online version, visit www.thekrcf.org.
To request hard copies, please contact René Eichem, executive director, at
(785) 456-8444 or at krcf@wamego.net.
Also available online are the Foundation's Form
990s
as
well as
brochures on charitable giving and estate planning, federal and
state publications, and other helpful information.
KRCF Committed to Obtaining National Standards
Developed in the spirit of accountability, transparency, and continuous self-improvement, the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations are evidence that as a community foundation, we seek excellence for our communities and our donors.
The KRCF has been accepted into the July 2010 compliance review cycle, and we should receive confirmation by December 2010. For more information about National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, please visit http://www.cfstandards.org.
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Spotlight On: Kansas Barn Alliance Fund .............................
See Kansas Barns with New Eyes 
After decades of use, followed by abandonment and neglect, old barns are becoming extinct. As few as two million may be left in the nation, down from six million in the 1930s. And with every downed barn, bits of the nation's story are lost.
In October 2008, the Kansas Barn Alliance (KBA) established an affiliated fund with the Kansas Rural Communities Foundation, Wamego, to memorialize and preserve the history and architecture of Kansas farms, particularly those old, iconic barns.
Convincing owners that old barns can still be used for agriculture often spurs preservation. A farmer in Leavenworth converted cow stalls to cement tanks where he raises tilapia. A filtration system collects nutrients from the fish water to hydroponically grow peppers and basil. In Phillips County, an old dairy barn is now home to alpacas, whose hair is harvested for wool. [...more]
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Charitable Tax Information .............................................
Changes in Tax Rates: Will They Affect Itemized Charitable Deductions?
The Community Foundation is keeping a sharp eye on the discussions in Washington about capping the itemized deduction for charitable contributions at the 28% tax bracket. Like you, we take very seriously any potential legislation that could cut charitable giving, especially in today’s economy. For more information, click here to see what the experts are saying about this important issue (PDF).
IRA Charitable Rollover Extended Through Dec. 31, 2009
Originally enacted as part of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424), enacted on October 3, 2008, extended the IRA charitable rollover provision so that eligible contributions may now be made through December 31, 2009.
To learn more about this opportunity to access additional funding for your organization, access this summary page (PDF) compiled by the Council of Foundations.
Tax Information on Donated Property
Gifts of donated property and other noncash items have long been an important source of revenue for many charities. In addition, many individuals and businesses take advantage of the charitable deduction for noncash contributions each year. Find the information donors, charities, and tax professionals need to know about the tax rules that apply to donated property on IRS.gov pages.
Senate Bill 175
SB 175 allows local boards of education to transfer funds to a 501(c)(3) community foundation. Funds are required to be deposited into a restricted fund and remain subject to any restrictions imposed by the original donor. Monies distributed from the fund are required to be made for the benefit of the school district or for a specific purpose as directed by the original donor. This bill, which was effective July 1, 2009, allows local school boards increased flexibility in accepting donations. Click here to read the full bill (PDF).
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State Grants & Deadlines .................................................
Department of Commerce Tourism Funding Opportunities
The Kansas Department of Commerce still has funding opportunities available for the following grant and scholarship programs:
Attraction Development Grant
This grant is designed to provide assistance in the development of new tourism attractions or the enhancement of existing attractions within the state. Deadline: September 30, 2009
Education Scholarship Program
The intent of this program is to further the professional development and education of individuals associated with and working in the Kansas tourism industry. Deadline: Ongoing
Marketing Grant
The Tourism Marketing Grant Program (TMGP) was developed as an ongoing grant program designed to assist organizations in innovative, dedicated advertising and marketing. Deadline: Ongoing
For guidelines and application information, visit http://www.travelks.com.
Links to Grantmakers in Kansas
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KRCF • PO Box 25 • Wamego KS 66547
P: (785) 456-8444 • F: (785) 456-8443 • krcf@wamego.net
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