Pike County Endowment Fund

In 2008, Pike County residents began noticing that assets were leaving the county. Specifically, when a Pike County resident passed away, all of the decedent’s assets were liquidated, businesses sold, farms sold, bank accounts closed, and the wealth transferred to heirs who lived outside the county; in New York, California, Florida, and other places.

They believed there were people who cared enough about Pike County that, during their lifetime or at their death, they would leave a portion of their wealth for the county where they lived and where funds could be used for the betterment of  Pike County communities for generations to come.

Those individuals met with the Community Foundation to see whether it would serve as the vehicle to assist with a Pike County Endowment Fund. Those individuals then met with several of the banks within the county. A very large percentage of the banks said they would support such a program, both financially and by informing their customers of the benefits. And, they found individuals who also believed in giving back.

With this in mind, that group of individuals formed the Pike County Fund Council to help educate individuals and businesses and to make contacts with those who might have an interest in donating.

“If you give to local causes today, you should consider giving to the Pike County Endowment Fund so that your gift will give back long into the future,” said Pike County Fund Council Chair Kaye Iftner. “It’s a way to ‘pay it forward’ and ensure that our communities will be cared for forever. Because we know needs and opportunities will change, these dollars allow us to remain nimble and provide support where and how it’s needed at the time.”

The Pike County Fund Council, comprised of individuals from towns and communities within the county, raises the funds and then reviews grant applications. Then, the council recommends grants that serve charitable causes in Pike County.

Since the fund was established, it has granted to more than a dozen local nonprofits with the help of contributions from more than 100 people, organizations, and businesses.

"Our Pike County Endowment will provide support for good, forever, for our county," said Iftner.

The Fund’s goal is now to continue to build and grow so it can continue to support the worthy needs and opportunities in Pike County.