Glass association starts fund with Fostoria foundation

FOSTORIA — Glass Heritage, Inc., recently opened an organization fund with the Greater Fostoria Community Foundation with the purpose of supporting the operations, programming and/or capital needs of Glass Heritage, which does business as the Fostoria Ohio Glass Association."The Fostoria Ohio Glass Association was organized in 1992 to promote public awareness and appreciation of the history of the Fostoria, Ohio glass industry," Bill King, president of the Fostoria Ohio Glass Association, was quoted as saying in a news release from the Greater Fostoria Community Foundation. "Our desire to continue this mission is why the board decided to establish a fund within the Greater Fostoria Community Foundation, ensuring future generations will know the importance of glass manufacturing in Fostoria."The glass association chose to open a non-endowed organization fund, which is a relatively new type of fund being offered through the Greater Fostoria Community Foundation, the release says."We are happy to support the efforts of the Fostoria Ohio Glass Association with this type of fund that gives them the flexibility to use more of the fund balance than would a classic endowed fund, which only allows the use of a calculated percentage of the fund's balance," Michele Cochran, executive director of the Greater Fostoria Community Foundation, was quoted as saying in the release. "The non-endowed organization fund must maintain a minimum $10,000 balance and allows up to 12 distributions per year, giving them access to use the funds as needs arise or to let the fund continue to build if no distributions are needed."The fund announcement came just ahead of today's opening of the Fostoria Glass Heritage Gallery for its 36th year. The gallery, located at 109 N. Main St., is a museum that showcases glass made in the 12 glass plants in the city from 1887 to 1920. More than 1,100 pieces of glassware and lamps are on display, with new pieces having recently been added. During March, the gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The hours will expand its operating hours in April to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Wednesdays through Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Saturdays. Visitors and groups needing special arrangements beyond those days and times should contact the gallery by calling 419-435-5077. Admission is free.Memberships help in purchasing glass for display and support the mailing of Victoria Views newsletters, utilities, insurance, general maintenance, advertising and other operating expenses.None of the officers, docents or others are compensated for their work.Memberships in the Fostoria Ohio Glass Association may be obtained by completing a membership form available online at www.fostoriaglass.com. New members will receive a copy of "Fostoria Glass II," a book written by Mel Murray that is valued at $20. Mailing of the book requires a $4 cost to cover shipping.Memberships are renewable at the end of each year.Donations to support the Fostoria Ohio Glass Association Fund may be made at 342 Perry St., P.O. Box 684, Fostoria, OH 44830. Donations may be made online at https://toledocf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=10900.The Greater Fostoria Community fund is a nonprofit organization with the purpose of improving the quality of life by building a permanent endowment to support community needs in areas such as the arts, culture, humanities, economic development, civil affairs, education, health and social services. More information is available at website www.fostoriafoundation.com and on its Facebook page.