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July 11, 2010

Titan Fund is creating culture of giving

Creator: 'Now we need to do what we set out to do'

BY LINDSAY VANHULLE lvanhulle@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — Nick Glauch knew he faced a challenge two years ago when, at the dawn of a recession, he launched a campaign for a Traverse City West Senior High endowment fund.

At times, even he had doubts. The effort was started by four college students, all West graduates, and the economic downturn contributed to spikes in unemployment and a shattered sense of financial security.

But all along, Glauch held on to a simple premise: A good idea is a good idea, no matter what. It seems to have worked.

The Titan Excellence Fund soon will top its $25,000 goal after a final pledge from students is received. The endowment, once finalized, will fund programs and projects for teachers and students.

"So much has happened in the year and a half we've been doing this," said Glauch, 22, who since has graduated from the University of Michigan and works in Ann Arbor. "I'm just glad that we were able to stay the course."

The fund will be administered through the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation. Glauch said he estimates $1,200 will be awarded each year, likely in one annual payout.

The foundation awards grants in the fall and spring. Health, human services and youth services funds generally are offered in the fall, with education the primary focus each spring.

Of the more than $24,000 received so far, nearly half came from retired teachers and students. The latter contributed $5,070. Staff, alumni, parents and community members also contributed. Cookie sales generated $2,428.

In all, 113 gifts have been offered, said Phil Ellis, executive director of the Community Foundation.

It's a sign that people associated with West are invested in the outcome, said Phil Ellis, executive director of the Community Foundation.

"You start getting young people at the high school level engaged in the idea of philanthropy," Ellis said. "It creates a culture of giving."

Joey Vanderbosch, president of West's incoming junior class and student senate treasurer, said he wants to make sure his school's needs are met, given district budget cuts.

He wants to recruit current students to help.

"We definitely plan, as all the other classes have, to give a large gift," said Joey, 16. "We thought this was the best, because the school has done so much for us."

The Titan Excellence Fund will be invested once its endowment status is official.

The Community Foundation determines how much money it has to award based on a five-year average of the total endowment amount to offset any slow years, Ellis said.

An "impact committee" will be formed to raise awareness about grants, support programs at school and continue to fundraise. A separate group — made up of an administrator, teachers, students, parents and community members — will choose projects to fund.

"We've got the funding," Glauch said. "Now we need to do what we set out to do."

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