Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Leadership Charlevoix County Obtains 501c3 Non-Profit Status

Individuals looking to donate toward a non-profit organization enhancing leadership opportunities in Charlevoix County now have a new opportunity – Leadership Charlevoix County.

The Board of Directors of the Leadership Charlevoix County (LCC) program is excited to announce the organization has received its 501c3 non-profit status, allowing the organization to now accept financial gifts.

A special LCC committee led by board member Lori Meeder worked diligently with the CPA firm of Mason, Kammermann & Rohrback to prepare the required documentation and file the application for non-profit status.

LCC Board Chair Dianne Litzenburger is excited about this accomplishment. “Obtaining 501c3 non-profit status not only elevates the credibility of the program, but allows businesses and individuals to support leadership throughout Charlevoix County through financial donations and they will receive tax benefits for doing so,” she said.

Leadership Charlevoix County began in 2011 as a joint effort of the Charlevoix, Boyne City, East Jordan and Beaver Island Chambers of Commerce. The program features nine monthly day-long sessions and has served a total of 55 participants – including this year’s class of 16 individuals. With leadership enhancement as part of its strategic plan, the Charlevoix County Community Foundation was also instrumental in providing grant money to help the program get off the ground.

As a result of the new non-profit status, Leadership Charlevoix County is continuing its relationship with the Charlevoix County Community Foundation to develop the “Leadership Charlevoix County Fund” through which donations will be used to sustain the program, enhance offerings, and provide scholarships for future participants.

LCC Program Coordinator Scott Gillespie sees a bright future for the program. “This new opportunity for businesses and individuals to financially support the program will allow us to elevate our offerings to the community. Our next step is to identify areas where LCC can further enhance leadership by considering programs for LCC alumni, as well as services provided directly to businesses and organizations.”

If you are interested in donating to the Leadership Charlevoix County Fund, you can mail your tax-deductible check made payable to: Leadership Charlevoix County, PO Box 273, East Jordan MI 49727. If you have any questions or would like to be a program sponsor, contact Gillespie via e-mail at leadershipcharlevoixcounty@gmail.com or call him any time at 989-444-1695. For more information about the program, visit www.leadershipcharlevoixcounty.com.