Partner Partner Content 50 years, 50 stories: Story #11 James & Clarice Foster Fund
As the proprietors of a successful and beloved local art business, James and Clarice Foster were active in Ann Arbor civic affairs and community initiatives. When James died in 1949, Clarice established a private foundation to carry out her philanthropic goals while honoring her husband's memory. But she also developed a "keen interest" in the possibility of creating some kind of community foundation.
AAACF’s First Named Fund
James and Clarice Foster were in many ways model citizens. As the proprietors of a successful and beloved local art business, they developed close ties to their community and were active in Ann Arbor civic affairs and community improvement initiatives. When James died in 1949, Clarice established a private foundation to carry out her philanthropic goals while honoring James’ memory.
Over time, Clarice developed a “keen interest” in the possibility of creating some kind of community foundation – a perpetual, “united charity” for the betterment of the community, to which she and others might contribute.
When Clarice died in 1962, her will stipulated that the assets of the James Foster Foundation be transferred to a local community foundation, should such an organization ever be established. In October, 1963 – after the Ann Arbor Area Foundation received its corporate charter and could accept the funds – Clarice Foster’s wish came to fruition, and her bequest established AAACF’s first named fund.
In all, the James & Clarice Foster Fund has awarded nearly $150,000 in grants to support local programs for youth. Clarice Foster clearly appreciated the power of endowment – a source of support to meet not only today’s community needs, but also future needs as the community changed. She also understood the value of a foundation supported by and responsive to the community.
In 2003, AAACF launched its Legacy Society to recognize donors who include a future gift to AAACF in their wills – and to honor Clarice Foster’s visionary influence in supporting community foundations.
One of the many ways the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation supports all that is good in our community.
Read more “good” stories at: aaacf.org/stories
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