Grant applications are now being accepted for the Foster and Evelyn Barkema Charitable Trust. Funds will be awarded later this year.
Zoe Brown, who is the trustee of the Barkema Charitable Trust, tells Radio on the Go News that Foster and Evelyn Barkema lived in the Alexander area.
“They were hardworking farmers up until their retirement and as you can imagine, very intelligent business people. Besides having a strong faith, they lived through the Depression and knew the importance of supporting others in the community. And I believe the saying, it is better to give than receive truly describes Foster and Evelyn. They always got immense pleasure from giving generously when they saw there was a need. They were very humble and so often gave anonymously. Giving anonymously most of their lives. They did, however, want this trust a little more publicized, not of course for any accolades or anything like that, but in the hope it might inspire others to give more generously in a similar fashion.”
Brown says certain information must be on the grant applications.
“Well, they need to include the cost of the project, how much they are asking for, how they have raised money from others. We like organizations to show how other funds have been raised for the project. It indicates community support and more of a need than just a want. You usually ask for how you came up with that figure, whether it is an estimate from a contractor, or an invoice or catalog but they want to order.”
Applications are being accepted through September 30th, and can be requested by emailing barkematrust@hotmail.com.
