Community Foundation's New "Lincoln Fund" is Directly Connected to Abraham Lincoln Himself

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Photograph of the Letter

• Detail of Lincoln's signature
• Transcript of Letter

ALBANY, NY (01/08/2013)(readMedia)-- A significant anonymous gift has been made to The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region by a local resident whose family, until recently, owned an historic letter signed by Abraham Lincoln during his Presidency. The letter was auctioned by Sotheby's and, unsurprisingly, sold for a large sum, a portion of the donor's share of which was then given to the Foundation with instructions that it be applied toward the development of a Fund to benefit the residents of the city's south end.

The donor approached The Community Foundation knowing the organization could help guide him to match his Fund with qualified organizations in Albany's South End. To connect the history of this gift with the future of Albany, the donor has specially entitled these assets "The Lincoln Fund."

"The monies that this donor has entrusted to the Foundation will go to funding grants that promote diversity and equality in the south end community. The donor is excited about the many positive developments in the South End and felt that a dedicated fund could have a significant impact at this time," says Karen Bilowith, the Community Foundation's President and CEO. "In light of the donation's historic derivation, we felt the name Lincoln Fund was thoroughly fitting, and we are extremely grateful for the donor's confidence in our stewardship."

This gift helps cap a year in which the Foundation has received more than $8.3 million in contributions, making it among the organization's most significant funding years. As always, these collective assets have immediately been put to use in advancing an extensive list of charitable endeavors throughout the Capital Region.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Since 1968, The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region has provided an effective means for people who care about this community to be part of shaping its future. The Community Foundation offers donors a complete toolkit for charitable giving, expert assistance in learning more about the causes they care about, and the opportunity to join others with similar interests to learn and give together.

The Community Foundation distributed more than $3 million in 2011 to hundreds of not-for-profit organizations in the Capital Region and beyond. With assets of $51 million, the Foundation is comprised of more than 340 charitable funds created by a diverse group of individuals, families and corporations. In addition, two local independent foundations, the Bender Family Foundation and the John D. Picotte Family Foundation, contract with the Community Foundation for grantmaking assistance.

Through flexible donor services, strategic grant making and community leadership, the Community Foundation helps people support the causes they care about, now and for generations to come. For more information, please visit them online at www.cfgcr.org or call 518-446-9638.

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