This year marks the 70th anniversary of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation providing a base grant in support of the annual United Way campaign. It also marks the 20th anniversary of The Foundation providing an additional matching grant in support of the annual campaign.
The base grant of $140,000 was awarded as an outright gift for the 2015-2016 annual campaign. The total amount of the matching grant is $420,000. Beginning with the 2014-2015 annual campaign, the grant will match up to $140,000 per annual campaign for three years.
“The three-year challenge grant will provide matching funds for new Leadership Circle gifts and gifts increased by at least $500. This will include new Young Leaders.” shared Ann Fillmore, executive director of United Way of Midland County.
Additionally, in celebration of United Way’s 95th anniversary, The Foundation is pleased to continue the tradition it began in 2004 by offering an additional $50,000 challenge grant promoting the Alexis de Tocqueville giving level beginning with the 2015/2016 campaign. This grant will award $5,000 for each new de Tocqueville Society member as well as members who have increased their gift by $5,000.
“We have seen tremendous results because of The Foundation’s legacy support,” shared Ann. “The Tocqueville Society is now 86 members strong, contributing over $580,000 to the campaign. We are thrilled to challenge our leadership donors in this unique and impactful way. Leadership donors account for 42% of our annual campaign.”
Grace A. Dow established The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation in 1936 in memory of her husband, Herbert H. Dow, who founded The Dow Chemical Company. They were both devoted to the family, the community, and to the enhancement of the quality of life for everyone in the Midland area. Their compassionate and visionary philosophy continues to be the guiding inspiration for the trustees of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation.
“The Foundation awarded its first grant to what would eventually become the United Way of Midland County in 1940. That grant, in the amount of $100, went toward Camp Fund. Our Trustees have a long history of supporting United Way of Midland County’s mission of ‘Advancing the common good by mobilizing the caring power of the community,’” said The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation President Macauley Whiting, Jr.
“The challenge grants represent a strong statement of support,” continued Fillmore. “The Foundation’s ongoing partnership has played an important role in our history and ensures the diverse needs in our community are met well into the future.”
