Maple ValleyCommunity Center receives challenge grant and needs support for matching funds

As part of its ongoing efforts to raise money,the Greater Maple Valley Community Center has received a grant from the Lucky Seven Foundation, but the money is contingent on support from the community. Executive Director Lynn Roberts said in a statement that on occasion they apply for one type of grant and “the foundation comes back to us with other ideas.”

By Kris Hill • February 12, 2010 9:24 pm

As part of its ongoing efforts to raise money,the Greater Maple Valley Community Center has received a grant from the Lucky Seven Foundation, but the money is contingent on support from the community.

Executive Director Lynn Roberts said in a statement that on occasion they apply for one type of grant and “the foundation comes back to us with other ideas.”

This grant from the Lucky Seven Foundation is a challenge grant.

“The intent of the foundation is to grow our individual donor base, and of course gifts received,” Roberts said. “The Lucky Seven Foundation will match every dollar we receive from new donors to the organization and also will match a gift from a donor who has not given to the Community Center in the past three years.”

Additionally, Lucky Seven Foundation will match a donor or gift pledge that is twice what has been given recently.

For example, if a donor fulfilled a pledge of $10 a month last year and offered to give $20 a month this year, the foundation would match the pledge of $240 given over the course of the year.

There is a limit of $5,000 total that will be matched.

The 2010 forecasted budget for the community center is $782,000.

Contributions come from individuals, businesses, foundations, United Way, King County and the city of Maple Valley, as well as fundraisers like the benefit breakfast March 18 and a golf tournament June 25.

Many employers will match an employee’s donation.

“When supporting GMVCC you are supporting, strengthening and protecting the children, families, youth and senior adults in the Tahoma school district and beyond, thus building a strong and healthy community,” Roberts said.

The community center provides programming for seniors, families, and children who live within the Tahoma School District boundaries.

Donations can be mailed to GMVCC, 22010 SE 248th St. Maple Valley, 98038, or donors may call in with a credit card.

The Lucky Seven Foundation was established by Manson and Frannie Backus and is now operated by their children and grandchildren.

For more information contact Roberts at 425-432-1272 or lynnr@maplevalleycc.org.