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Our Story: How We Began

 

The Rev. C. Irving Cummings, a descendant of the founding fathers of Putnam Station, NY, had a vision to establish a college scholarship fund to help encourage some needy Putnam student to continue their education beyond high school each year. During the summer of 1997 he called together a small group of the town folk to share his vision. It encluded establishing an endowment fund and giving away the interest to some needy high school graduate each year.

 

Everyone was excited about the idea, but how could such a small community of about 650 residents raise such a large sum of money? At least $100,000 would be necessary to make a decent amount of interest. The group decided to take a step of faith and a goal was set to raise $10,000 the first year. By August 3,1998 the Putnam Founders Dollars for Scholars Award Fund bylaws were written and adopted.

 

In the fall of 1998 the first scholarship award of $50.00 was given. Since then the scholarship endowment fund has continued to grow with donations coming from current and former residents and other interested parties located all across the United States. More than 100 awards have been given. And now every qualifying student receives an award of at least $1,000, not just as a high school graduate, but through all four years of college. As of 2013, more than $100,000 has been awarded to students by the scholarship award fund. That is more than the principle that we thought was impossible to raise!

 

In 2014 it was decided to separate from Dollars for Scholars organization and establish our own not for profit organization. The name of the newly formed group is Putnam Founder's Fund Corp. The new group is composed of the same governing board of directors and functions by the same guidelines as the original group.

 

Our little community takes education seriously. Our annual fundraising is a community effort and we would not have succeeded without them. One couple who were actively involved in our education system for much of their lives left a very large bequest to our award fund. Other bequests were also received. We and our students are grateful for each one that is involved in any way.

 

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP IN THIS ENDEAVOR TO HELP OUR STUDENTS!

 

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