When Mary & Fred Brauti moved to Benton County from Minnesota in 1966, they were eager to get involved in the community. As they started to learn about the community’s challenges, Fred was the one who took the lead on the couple’s charitable giving. After Fred passed away in 2019, Mary opened a Donor Advised Fund to carry on their charitable work. “After decades of volunteering in the community, I’m so grateful that I have the means to give back,” Mary reflected.
In 2022, BCF re-launched the Philanthropist At Large (PALs) Program and Mary was one of the first supporters to receive a packet in her mailbox. “What really attracted me to the program is being able to see all the needs in Benton County so clearly and so concisely,” shared Mary.
The PALs Program was created for the purpose of engaging BCF fundholders and supporters through providing unique opportunities to invest in local nonprofit organizations. Every year, the need in the community increases. For every $3 dollars requested, BCF is able to fund $1 dollar. When supporters become PALs partners, they contribute to funding the gap and together make an even greater impact in the community.
Mary was one of the seven PALs partners who worked with BCF staff to give an additional $84,500 in funding towards the annual Community Grant Cycle. It’s because of that investment in our community that BCF was able to award $236,955 to 34 nonprofits, completing the largest grant cycle in the Foundation’s history.
“I just think BCF is doing so many wonderful things for the community,” says Mary. “There is so much joy in giving now, while I am able to help. The bonus is working with the excellent team at BCF.”
If you would like to learn more about the PALs Program, contact Lisa Kaufmann, Director of Philanthropic Gifts at Lisa@bcfgives.org, or call 541.753.1603.