The Columbus law firm of Voelz, Reed and Mount LLC has partnered with Heritage Fund — The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County to launch a foundation that will provide support for aging adults and their families.
The Voelz, Reed and Mount Foundation will accept grant applications from nonprofit organizations in Jackson, Bartholomew, Jennings and Decatur counties that serve aging adults. Applications will be accepted through April 29. Grant awards will average $500 to $1,000 each.
Firm co-owners Lora Mount and Blake Reed said the new foundation was an effort to give back to the community.
“We have been very fortunate to build a successful business in a community like Columbus,” Mount said. “As business owners who have benefited from this community, we felt a strong desire to find a way to give back. Like many business owners, one of our struggles has been finding the time that it takes to properly establish a private foundation. Establishing a private foundation can be complicated and time-consuming.”
Partnering with Heritage Fund gave them exactly what they were looking for, she said.
“We are so excited to be able to support seniors and individuals with special needs through the Voelz, Reed and Mount Foundation,” she said. “We also hope to inspire other business owners to do the same.”
Reed said the practice has seen an increased need for support for the senior and special needs populations, and they were looking for a way to support these growing populations.
“We are fortunate and delighted to have the opportunity to give back to the community we serve side by side with Heritage Fund,” he said.
A personal foundation is a philanthropic vehicle that provides flexibility in donor-directed grantmaking. Heritage Fund began focusing on personal foundations, including business foundations, in 2021 as part of its “Your Philanthropy. Your Way.” initiative.
“Heritage Fund is excited to partner with Voelz, Reed and Mount LLC and support their thoughtful approach to philanthropy,” Heritage Fund President and Chief Executive Officer Tracy Souza said.
“Part of our mission as a community foundation is to help individuals, families and businesses carry out their philanthropic wishes. It is why we say, ‘Your Philanthropy. Your Way,’” she said. “Partnering with Heritage Fund on a personal foundation allows all the benefits of a private foundation at a fraction of the cost and without the administrative burden. Congratulations to partners Lora Mount and Blake Reed for being thoughtful, creative and smart about how they want to give back to the community that has created their success.”