Use of foundation’s nest egg boils down to priorities

By Ashley Luthern

aluthern@vindy.com

After four years of planning, the Boardman Community Foundation announced its mission, goals and funding to the public.

The nonprofit foundation had a media event and two forums Thursday at Boardman Park.

The foundation’s purpose is to develop a charitable endowment, or “nest egg,” to benefit the township now and in the future, said James Rosa, the foundation’s president.

“People expect the government to solve all the issues and problems of the community,” Rosa said, continuing that residents also can accomplish a lot for the area.

The foundation already has raised $7,000, and its first project has yet to be decided, he added.

Projects will be prioritized based on what donors want to support, and if contributions are “unrestricted,” then the foundation will seek input from township residents, Rosa said.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley is supporting the Boardman Community Foundation. The two groups have a written agreement that the Community Foundation will receive contributions and help with the bookkeeping for the Boardman Community Foundation.

Patricia Brozik, president of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, offered words of advice to the Boardman board members after recalling her first meeting with Rosa in June 2006.

“You are the leaders. You’re going to have to swallow hard and do the right thing,” she said.

The organization is led by a board composed of seven directors representing:

Boardman Board of Education

Boardman Township Park District Board of Park Commissioners

Boardman Rotary Club

Boardman Historical Society

Board of Trustees of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County

Mahoning County Bar Association

Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber

There also are five “at large” board members, who maintain residences or businesses in the township.

For more information about the Boardman Community Foundation, contact Rosa at 330-743-5555.