Greenwood County Community Foundation New Director
December 1, 2011
GREENWOOD, SC – December 1, 2011 – The Greenwood County Community Foundation has chosen its first Executive Director. Following a national search, Mark Kasper was selected to head the new local public foundation.
The Foundation, which has as its purpose to increase endowed philanthropy in the local area, was started with an initial gift of $2.5 million from an anonymous donor. This generous donor also provided a plan to match new community gifts to the Foundation for a total up to $3 million more. As a community endowment, assets will generally be held in perpetuity with growth from these assets being granted to local organizations annually. Individuals can create their own named Funds within the Foundation’s structure and designate organizations to receive grants from their Funds, much like a private foundation.
The Foundation asks the questions: What do you want to do for your community? And how can we help you make this happen? Similarly, Kasper reflected that his greatest satisfaction in community foundation work is helping individuals craft unique philanthropic plans which reflect their desires and benefit the community in strategic and creative ways. “When people say, ‘My assets can do THAT…forever!’, I know I have accomplished my job.”
He worked most recently as Director of Gift Planning for the $100 million Community Foundation of Broward in Fort Lauderdale, FL. A native of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, he is well aware of the issues facing communities which have traditionally had cotton manufacturing economies. He attended North Carolina State University and holds a Master’s of Divinity degree from Duke University.
Mr. Kasper is excited about working with local nonprofits to meet the current needs of the community and create an even better future for those living within Greenwood County. “This area has so much need, and yet has so much to offer. I look forward to bringing those two aspects of our community together for the benefit of all.”
The Greenwood County Community Foundation Board offices are housed in the United Center for Community Care at 929 Phoenix Street. Mark Kasper can be reached at 864-223-1524.
