MASSENA -- The Massena Central School District is now officially in business with the Northern New York Community Foundation, the Board of Education decided Thursday.

The governing body unanimously ratified an agreement that allows the group to act as a conduit so they can receive private donations.

NNYCF executive director Rande Richardson told the board in February that his non-profit organization can not only act as a gateway for the school to receive donations, but also make sure the money goes where the donor wants and seek out other sources of funding. They also work with attorneys to deal with any tax issues.

Richardson said last month that the district will have to agree to accept every donation they are offered and to pay three-quarters of 1 percent, in administrative fees. They will also need an initial bequest, which came from board member William Sommerfield.