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, approximately $1.5 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
   Annually, limited funds will always be made available for requests that meet community needs. This year, the Foundation hopes to commit $250,000 to organizations in Muhlenberg County through its Community Grants Program. As in the past, proposals are 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/Human Services.
   
   Beginning this year, the Foundation will now accept Community Grant requests throughout the year – there will no longer be an annual deadline. In order to be more responsive and supportive of the community, the Foundation will try to make funding decisions for these projects within a few weeks of receiving the request. Furthermore, there will be no minimum or maximum award amount for these grants.
   
   The Board anticipates strong competition for the grants, so there will be many applicants who unfortunately, will not receive grant awards. Organizations should recognize that although a project may appear to meet all of the criteria for approval, the Board of Directors must select among numerous applications that meet the program focus and specific initiatives of the Foundation.
   
   More information on the Community Grants Program, including a complete list of past grant recipients can be found on the Community Grants Program page of this website.
   
   If you are interested in applying for a grant, please visit the Applying for a Grant page of this website for step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
   
   
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 assisting the Board of Directors in identifying projects that will make a significant long-term impact in these areas. The Task Force’s job is to develop and explore ideas, then set priorities for the Foundation’s Board of Directors to consider when making grantmaking decisions.