Red Balloon Funds
What are they?
Red Balloon Funds are a vehicle to engage young people in long-term charitable giving. It is an opportunity to inspire a tradition of giving by inviting young people in your life to join in saving for and advising their very own permanent endowment fund. Children and adults work side-by-side to contribute a minimum of $500 each year toward an endowment.
Once the total reaches $5,000, fund advisors recommend distributions to
their favorite charities. Optimal ages for Red Balloon Funds are 7-11
years old, but learning the basic concepts of charitable giving is
valuable for all children, pre-K through college. Red Balloon Funds
are also ideal for charities and faith-based organizations that want to
instill community service and charitable giving in their young people.
Children involved in the Red Balloon Club are also eligible to
participate in the annual grantmaking committee of the Oscar G. and
Elsa S. Mayer Family Foundation Red Balloon Fund.
Highlights
- Parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles and charitable organizations can create Red Balloon Funds in the name of a child or group of children.
- Staff of the foundation can provide individual assistance to help children and their adults to identify their charitable priorities.
- Contributions may be made using many types of assets including monthly electronic funds transfer (EFT) from a savings or checking account.
- You can encourage family and friends to make contributions to your Red Balloon Fund on the occasion of a holiday or birthday.
To learn more about Red Balloon funds, download our
Red Balloon Fund Fact Sheet and a
Red Balloon Fund Agreement or contact
Paul Houseman, Donor Relations Manager, at (608) 232-1763.