Orange County's new Community Giving Fund isn't what it sounds like. You might think a "community giving fund" would give to the community. Which would make sense. Instead people are supposed to donate toward the same County government to which we already pay property, sales, vehicle taxes as well as other fees. Do other governmental bodies solicit donations in this way? What if donors' priorities don't match those of the commissioners or the staff?
Can I donate to support the recycling program that Manager Clifton is trying to cancel, or toward a walkable library in Carrboro? Or perhaps we could take up a collection to hire some qualified planning staff for the County.
ORANGE COUNTY INTRODUCES COMMUNITY GIVING FUND
ORANGE COUNTY, NC (March 22, 2013)-The Orange County Board of County Commission (BOCC) meeting on Tuesday, March 19, set the backdrop for the unveiling of the County's new Community Giving Fund.
The Orange County Community Giving Fund is intended to be an encompassing fund for Orange County government, so donations can be given to any department or County-sponsored activity through this fund.
All gifts will be tax deductible and used for the purpose for which they are given and acknowledged as such. Additionally, this fund is a framework for receiving a variety of donations, whether cash, stocks, bonds, or real property.
The fund is managed by the Triangle Community Foundation. All invested Orange County funds are subject to a minimum annual administrative fee of $300.
This fund gives the public an opportunity to designate a tax deductible donation, which supplements the County's annual budget.
Orange County residents give back in a variety of ways, including designating part of their estate through the fund and specifying the purpose for which the gift will be used.
To learn more about the fund or to request an information packet, please contact Orange County Financial and Administrative Services Department at 919.245.2450 or the Triangle Community Foundation at 919.474.8370.
To make a donation online, please visit the Orange County Community Giving Fund Web site at www.ocncgiving.org
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I don't actually recommend clicking that link above until you turn down your speakers because the the County is ready to rock you out with some funky midi tunes and they ain't asking permission! With a web site by VIstaprint (of free business cards fame) you know they mean business!
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On a less snarky note
I want to add that it's not that I don't value many of the excellent services that our county government provides. I just don't understand what the case is for making donations to the government (let's hear a pitch, Manager Clifton), and I am alarmed at the lack of strategy and professionalism in their implementation.
Snark aside....
"perhaps we could take up a collection to hire some qualified planning staff for the County." This is fantastic.
Become an enabler!
Corrupt state & federal governments, in cahoots with predatory banking, insurance, and health care interests (just to name a few), strip local taxpayers and governments of benefits from their taxes and then the local government impotently asks for donations. This is exactly what the privateers want us to do, meekly try to raise our own money without questioning the economic pillaging that led to it.
Giving Extra Isn't New
Folks often give extra to support local resources, such as parks and libraries, so such giving isn't new. I think in most places, though, the funds go through an independent foundation or something similar, so that the donated funds aren't going to make up for misspent taxpayer dollars but rather to supplement taxpayer dollars where the need can be verified.
george is right!
The county has always been generous with the arts and a host of NFPs. Groups like Carol Woods have been generous with the county. I think Carol Woods has given the county $2 million over the years -which has been used to help with senior programs. That's in addition to their own volunteerism. The fund will be managed by Triangle Community Foundation - so it appears that they will be adding professional management. Bonnie Hauser
Spay/neuter fees
For just $35 you can help someone cover the spay/neuter fee for their pet. This donation doesn't help the county since spay/neuter is handled through POP (Pet Overpopulation Patrol).
Was POP, now SNAP
I realize this only happened just after you made your post, but worth noting all the same.
People donate to stuff they want to support
Seems to me the" community giving fund" is for people who want to support things like additional animal services activities ("buy a dog a toy" or things like "plant a tree in a park" or maybe "buy a brick for the library". I certainly don't understand where the snark in your comment is coming from.
How much money do you think the county should spend on this to get to the "level of professionalism" you deem worthy? Is your snark really more related to the idea that you don't like the county manager (and, apparently, county planning staff - though I don't know what your beef is with them)?