California

The Silicon Valley Community Foundation has announced that it now offers charitable gift annuities. With charitable gift annuities, the community foundation agrees to make fixed payments for life to one or two beneficiaries in exchange for a contribution of at least $25,000 in cash or securities. In addition to tax benefit, the individual donor receives regular fixed payments that are protected from market fluctuations and the knowledge that, upon his or her death, any balance will go to support charitable causes.

Massachusetts

The Sheffield-based Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation has announced that seven of its scholarship funds have awarded a total of $29,000 in support to thirty-two students from Columbia County. Scholarships were awarded through the CHA-NEL Scholarship Fund, Sean French Scholarship Fund, Quailwood Fund, and Jeannine Triau Scholarship Fund.

Michigan

The Detroit-based Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan has appointed Karen Chassin Goldbaum as its new communications officer.

Nebraska

The Grand Island Community Foundation has awarded more than $152,000 in grants and scholarships so far this year, the Grand Island Independent reports. Recipients include the Mid-Plains Center for Behavioral Healthcare Services, Hope Harbor, and the Grand Island Veterans Home.

New York

The Poughkeepsie-based Community Foundation serving Dutchess, Ulster, and Putnam counties has announced that it is accepting applications for its fall grant programs. Deadlines vary by program. For more information, contact the foundation.

North Carolina

The Charlotte-based Foundation for the Carolinas has announced the formation of a committee to explore the most effective and appropriate role for philanthropic giving to achieve the goals of the Charlotte-Mecklenberg school system. The CMS Investment Study Group will have thirteen members representing family and corporate foundations and community leaders with a passion for education and will make recommendations based on its study of existing models for philanthropic involvement in public education. Anna Spangler Nelson, a representative of the C.D. Spangler Foundation, and Richard "Stick" Williams, president of the Duke Energy Foundation, will serve as co-chairs of the group.

Ohio

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation has announced that it will present its Jacob E. Davis Volunteer Leadership Award to Frank and Rosemary Bloom and its Bridge Builder Award to Christine A. Buttress, Esq. Longtime community volunteers, the Blooms will designate a total of $10,000 to the organization or multiple organizations of their choice. The Bridge Builder award recognizes a professional advisor who has been a supporter of GCF in multiple ways. A grant honoring Buttress will be given to Pro Seniors.

Wisconsin

The Hudson-based St. Croix Valley Foundation has established a new category of funds called "Institutional Funds" for large nonprofit organizations that have endowment or endowment-like assets, the Stillwater Gazette reports. The foundation will charge nonprofits as little as 0.85 percent to administer funds in excess of $1 million. "This kind of fund is ideal for a deep savings account for large nonprofits," said board treasurer Chris Galvin. "We believe they will be interested in looking at this as an option."