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THE HISTORY OF THE POINTE COUPEE ENRICHMENT FUND AND POINT COUPEE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Introducing A Concept
In the fall of 2003 a diverse group of over 50 Pointe Coupee citizens met at the home of local philanthropist, Joanna Wurtele. The meeting was convened by representatives from The Southern Rural Development Institute (SRDI) and The Louisiana Association of Non-Profits Organizations (LANO) for the purpose of introducing the concept of a rural foundation.

Volunteers Creating the Fund
The idea was well received and volunteers from the energized group began to meet to study the concept and to fine tune the particulars for creating a philanthropic vehicle for Pointe Coupee. In the spring of 2003, the Pointe Coupee Community Enrichment Fund (PCCEF) was conceived and its first board of directors, nominated by the founding group, became its surrogate parents. The Baton Rouge Area Foundation, offered to incubate the newly created fund until its "parents" were capable of administering the Fund independently.

Reaching Out to the Community
Under the guidance of BRAF, SRDI, and LANO the board began to educate the community about philanthropy and encouraged giving from every sector of the community. The first annual gala and fundraiser was a huge success and the first three grants were given to local community non-profits. Over the next several years, PCCEF continued to raise awareness of how philanthropic efforts could assist a community in helping itself. As of 2007, $160,767 in grants had been awarded to local non-profits.

Growing Into The Full Foundation of Today
In January of 2006 Pointe Coupee Community Foundation was awarded its 501(c) 3 non-profit status with the IRS. In 2007 a steering committee met for one year to study and plan for PCCEF to become the Pointe Coupee Community Foundation. In 2008 the new board was nominated and elected and began the work of Pointe Coupee's first community foundation. Looking to the future Pointe Coupee Community Foundation is planning for the May 1, 2009 gala and fundraiser.