The Rowland Family Scholarship Fund, established in 1993 by C.B. Rowland, supports post-secondary education for students from Anderson, Boyle, Lincoln and Mercer counties, with consideration given to qualifying children of current and former employees of Harrod Cleaners and R.V. Cablevision. Since 1993 this fund has distributed $253,631 through 130 grants to 44 scholarship recipients.
"I know this fund is making a difference for young people who need assistance. We support students all the way through their college education," said Conover.
The Rowland Family Charitable Fund, designed to support the family's charitable interests, since its inception in 1997 has awarded 65 grants totaling $151,951. As a former art teacher in the Mercer area, Conover supports art instruction for young people as one of her interests. The fund has partially paid for art teachers at the Central Kentucky Christian School on U.S. 127 in Mercer County and at Danville Christian Academy in Danville.
"I was an art teacher, and I want to ensure art is part of the Christian school experience," said Conover.
The Garland and Thelma May Scholarship Fund, created by the late Garland May of Harrodsburg upon the advice of the Conovers to assist students at any grade level who reside in Mercer County, also has been committed to WTCF. This fund has provided 13 scholarships totaling $21,500 since its creation in 2002.
In addition to the endowments, the Conovers also use a depository fund in the foundation to facilitate their giving. A depository fund allows donors to avoid capital gains tax on gifts of appreciated stock to the fund and to enjoy the flexibility of using a gift of stock to make distributions to multiple charities over time. When the Conovers want to make a distribution from their depository fund, they simply notify the foundation, which sends the check in their name. "We feel good about these funds. My husband, Michael, and I encourage others to consider what they can do, through endowment, depository fund or other funds to meet their charitable wishes," said Conover.
The Wilderness Trace Community Foundation exists as an affiliate of The Community Foundation of Louisville. For further information about its services for charitable giving, call (859) 236-2641.
