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Dear Lake Mills Community Members,

 

The Board of Directors of the Lake Mills Area Community Foundation (LMACF) is pleased to provide you with our 2022 Annual Financial Report and summary of activities.  Through the mission of enhancing the quality of life of those who live, work, and play in the community of Lake Mills and surrounding area that it serves, the LMACF seeks to accomplish these objectives through the promotion and facilitation of charitable donations and the awarding of grants to worthy projects and organizations in the community.

 

Thanks to the continued generosity of our donors who care deeply for our community, the Foundation received approximately $280,000 in community contributions in 2022.  More importantly, the Foundation facilitated the distribution of donations and grants to various projects, organizations, and causes totaling almost $40,000, plus over $100,000 in scholarship awards to several local graduating seniors.  One of the highlights of 2022 was the establishment of three new scholarship funds under the Foundation’s umbrella.  Lake Mills community members continue to show amazing generosity in support of young adults’ pursuit of higher education.

 

Some of the causes and organizations that received donations and grants from LMACF in 2022 were: Lake Mills-Aztalan Historical Society Museum Restoration Project, Legendary Lake Mills Downtown Plaque Project, Lake Mills Elementary School for a GAGA ball pit, Lake Mills Rotary for pickleball nets at Rotary Park, Lake Mills City Band, Lake Mills Fireworks, Christmas Neighbors, and Haus of Peace.  Those representing other area charitable organizations and causes are encouraged to contact a board member or visit our website at www.LMACF.org to learn more about the process and requirements of applying for a grant.

 

The donations and grants listed above were largely made from the LMACF Endowment Fund.  The Endowment Fund is the key component to the LMACF because it enables us to make consistent gifts for the betterment of the community in perpetuity.  We wish to continually grow the Endowment Fund as a means to make sustainable and ever growing impact on the area we serve.

 

One of the major advantages of the LMACF being an IRS qualified 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation, is donors may give in several ways, including cash, transfer of highly appreciated investments or property, bequests through life insurance and retirement plan beneficiary designations, or name the Foundation in a person’s will or estate plan.  These various methods of giving can be used in order to pass on donations in the most tax efficient way. For more information, please visit the website or reach out to one of our Board members directly. 

 

We would like to express gratitude to our outgoing Board members, Pam Rogers and Amanda Thompson, whose time on our Board came to a conclusion at the end of 2022.  Both made amazing contributions to the Foundation through their dedication, passion, and knowledge.  We welcomed Rick Wollin and Pam Streich to our Board at the beginning of 2023.  We know they will prove to be incredible additions to the Board.

 

Please feel free to share this report with any friends or neighbors who might be interested in learning more about LMACF.  We hope that area residents will consider being a part of the Foundation’s work as we continue to strive to make our community a wonderful place to call home and an exciting destination for others to visit.  Whether your desire is to support local initiatives in Health & Education, Arts & Culture, Environmental, Public Safety, Programs for Youth & Elderly, Parks & Recreation, or Vocational Development within our community, the Lake Mills Area Community Foundation serves as the portal to accomplish all those initiatives.

 

 

With Sincere Gratitude,

 

Jay Smith, Foundation President

Pam Lazaris, Vice President

Kerry Denson, Treasurer & Secretary

Brian Watson, Director

Richard Mason, Director

Pam Streich, Director

Rick Wollin, Director

Aaron Genthe, At-Large Director

Mallory Hines, Admin. Assistant