Origin and Background

The Baughman/Marinelli Opportunity Fund was established in 2008 (and enhanced in 2018) by Dave Baughman and Debbie Marinelli Baughman for the benefit of the members of the Baughman and Marinelli Families. The Opportunity Fund's primary goal is to encourage the members of their families to become productive members of their communities by encouraging diligent application of personal skills and by fostering education.

The fund allows beneficiaries to apply to the fund for grants and/or loans in four specific areas.

Education

Family members may apply to the fund to offset expenses associated with education in the form of pre-school, primary, secondary and private education as well as education at an accredited public or private college or university and postgraduate study and technical, vocational, music, art, religious or trade school.

Purchasing or Refurbishing of a Primary Residence

This provision would allow a family member to apply to the fund for money towards the purchase of a primary residence or for money to repair/re-model their primary residence.

Earned Income Matching

Family members may apply to the fund for year-over-year salary increases. The Distribution Committee determines the percentage of the current wages to be awarded, but in no case will it exceed 5% of total current annual wages. The intent of this provision is to reward family members for continued growth in the workplace and to encourage saving money as a way of life.

Family Business

Family members may apply to the fund to establish, build, and/or maintain a business which is their primary source of income. In all cases, any amount of money granted would be in the form of a loan or part ownership in the business until the amount of the loan is re-paid to the fund.