Mr. Martin wanted his gift to help generations of residents of Muhlenberg County.  So the Foundation’s assets have been set up as an endowment, and conservatively invested to grow over time so that the buying power of the Foundation stays intact in the face of inflation.  Every year, part of the Foundation’s income stream will be used to make grants in Muhlenberg County.  That means that every year, over $1 million will be distributed to benefit Muhlenberg County.

Upstream vs. Downstream Investments
The 2008 Needs Assessment Study has confirmed one thing that was evident – Muhlenberg County has a wonderful tradition of charity.  But Mr. Martin’s gift is introducing a new tradition – the tradition of philanthropy.  Philanthropy is focused on solutions, not symptoms.

Charity can be looked at as a “downstream” investment – having an immediate effect on people and touching lives directly.  Philanthropy is an “upstream” investment – where work over the long term can create change in underlying conditions.  Payback from upstream investments is long-term and multi-generational.  This type of investing can have an amazing impact – and research has identified where the citizens of Muhlenberg County feel that long-term impact needs to be.

Grantmaking Priorities
The Needs Assessment Study identified four key areas: Economic Development, Youth Services, Substance Abuse Services, and Health and Human Services.  Two of these clearly stood out as the greatest priorities - Economic Development and Youth Services.

Grantmaking Program - To address the key areas, two grantmaking programs are underway.

1. Community Grants Program
   The Foundation announced in December 2008 that a half million dollars would be committed to organizations in Muhlenberg County through its first Community Grants Program. Proposals were to support civic, educational or cultural projects in Muhlenberg County, with preference to those that relate to an aspect of the four key areas of need, Economic Development, Youth Services, Substance Abuse Services, and Health and Human Services.
   
   More information on the 2009 Community Grants Program, including a complete list of grant recipients, can be found on the Community Grants page of this website.
   
   The Board of Directors have again committed $500,000 to organizations in Muhlenberg County through its second Community Grants Program. The application to submit a proposal for a 2010 Community Grant will be made available on Tuesday December 1, 2009.
   
   
2. Task Force
   The Foundation realizes that making a real “upstream” and transformational change in Muhlenberg County requires people working together to set priorities about what needs to be done – and figuring out the best way to do it. A Task Force of local representatives was appointed to advise the Felix E. Martin, Jr. Foundation Board of Directors on how best to address the key areas of need - Economic Development and Youth Services. The Task Force is charged with identifying projects that will make a significant long-term impact in these areas. The Task Force’s job is to develop and explore all ideas, then set priorities for the Foundation’s Board of Directors to consider when making grantmaking decisions.
   
   More information on the Task Force of local advisors can be found on the Community Task Force page of this website.