“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” -Jimmy Dean
Change. That one word describes succinctly what has happened over the last four months. We went from an active successful economy and business environment, to being closed, to being open by appointment. One could argue that the more appropriate word would be stalled, “the inability to move forward or backward.”
“Times and conditions change so rapidly that we must keep our aim constantly focused on the future.” -Walt Disney
The Jeffris Challenge grant is continuing despite COVID. They are not extending our deadline. We still need to meet our fundraising goal by June, 2022. We continue to be in a good position, but we felt that public events were inappropriate at this time, due to the layoffs caused by Coronavirus. Realizing this is temporary, is important. Almost as important, is the need to constantly focus on the future of the where and why we have the fund drive in the first place. The Farm is not just about a Swedish immigrant. If you view the farm only as a Swedish property, you are missing the horticulture and agriculture history. The property was placed on the register for Peterson’s horticulture work with apple trees. The farm is an agricultural property that will soon be an island in a sea of houses. It is a symbol of all persons who settled Carver County. It is an education center for agriculture and a place the public can go for events. To not raise the funds needed to win the Jeffris Foundation $250,000 donation, is to lose focus on the agricultural future of the farm, and Carver County.
We received almost $190,000+ in pledges. We still have two years to go. We can do this, but it does take all of us focusing on the future to accomplish the goal.
Donations from an IRA – A Great Way to Support CCHS and the Jeffris Family Challenge Grant
One of the most effective strategies for many seniors over 70 ½ to help a non-profit like CCHS is to make a Qualified Charitable Donation (QCD) from their traditional IRA. Unlike other withdrawals, the QCD incurs no taxes and is not impacted by whether or not the donor itemizes charitable contributions. QCDs require funds to come from the donors IRA trustee directly to the charity or non-profit. The process need not be difficult. CCHS has received funds in this way and can help inform prospective donors how to get started.
Normally a QCD can also count towards the donor’s required minimum distribution (RMD) although for 2020 RMDs have been suspended by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The RMD requirement is expected to resume in 2021. Those turning 70 ½ after 2019 may also delay their RMDs until they turn 72 as a result of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act of 2019. Consult your tax advisor for more details.
