The major objective of this grant was to leverage the pledge from the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund and generate at least 100 gifts of $100 or more between July 7, 2008 and December 31, 2008. We were able to surpass our goal. We are especially pleased given the current state of the economy. Even though overall our annual appeal was down from 2007, we received close to the same number of gifts and even added some new donors. Keeping donors engaged, even at lower levels, is crucial.

Having a matching grant of this nature definitely inspires giving. Many people that may have taken a break from giving to our organization probably continued to give, even if at a lower level, knowing their contributions would be matched.

This grant will help fund ongoing programs at The Children's Course where the mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. We served more than 3,500 young people in 2008. This grant will help us get the new year off to a great start financially and help allow us to reach our goal of increasing the number of children we serve in 2009.

Dennis Schrag , Executive Director - The Children's Course