Politics & Government
What is to be Done With the UM Township Foundation?
Commissioners discuss the closing of the nonprofit organization.
The is classified as a charitable nonprofit whose main purpose is to house donations as given to the township.
The foundation was formed early on in this decade. It performs independently from the township, and is governed by its own board of directors.
Recently, the foundation served as the main reservoir for corporate and private donations that were used to fund the events.
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During this time, the foundation had funneled nearly $140,000 in donations for the Willow Grove 300 events.
But, now that the celebrations are finished, the current foundation directors would like to know what will be the fate of the foundation.
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“It served a really useful purpose in the Willow Grove 300,” Richard Booth, the foundation’s president, said. “I don’t think there’s a need for it anymore.”
Speaking before the June 27 Finance and Administrative Committee, Booth explained that over seven years ago, the township was unable to accept donations. Today, the township has an in-house system in place, where donations may be given as a tax write-off, rendering a separate entity like the Upper Moreland Foundation superfluous.
Booth added that the current directors of the foundation wish to step down from their positions, and would like to eliminate the foundation altogether, unless the township would see a need for it.
During public comments, resident Nick Scull suggested that it might be a good idea to hang on to the foundation as other unexpected needs may arise for it.
Any new directors of the foundation would have to be appointed by the current directors. Booth added that he would accept any nominations from the township.
Ward 6 commissioner and Finance and Administrative Committee chairperson Sam Valenza simply stated that no decisions could be made by the township, as it is a separate entity from the township.
“We will act accordingly,” Booth said in response.
According to Booth, the foundation is currently wrapping-up tax and legal business, which should be complete by Oct. 1.
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