Had the 4th quarter meeting of the St. Olaf Foundation (church) last night. I am on the grant committee, which means I and 3 others review requests for grants from our endowment fund, which is currently at approximately $2.5 million.
We target giving 5% of the endowment to deserving entities each year. This year we had a bit over $50,000 left to give in the 4th quarter. We ended up giving it all away, to groups like the Lotus Foundation, who provides shelter for abused and drug-addicted women and their children (no men, please). We also gave to the Salvation Army, the Lord's Cupboard (food for needy families), a place called Icky's, which provides a place for middle school and high school children to go, and several other charitable groups, including Community and Family Resources.
A 2 hour meeting, but well worth the time. Sometimes religion is a good thing.