Moments in Philanthropy || November 2009
In This Issue
New Funds at Madison Community Foundation
The Power of Endowments
Double Your Money - Acorn Anniversary Matches Available
Library Naming Opportunity in Monona
Distribution Deadlines
Year-End Tax Planning with MCF Passthrough Funds
MCF Congratulates Awards Recipients
Upcoming Events for Agencies Supported by MCF
New Funds at Madison Community Foundation
Wisconsin Women in Government Endowment
Madison Trust Partners in the Field Fund
Andy Gauss Memorial Scholarship
Effigy Tree Endowment
Power of Endowments
Why create or contribute to an endowment? In 1986, a small Dane County charity was unexpectedly given a substantial gift of stock. Instead of putting that money against operating costs, the charity board created an endowment at Madison Community Foundation that would grow and provide support for years to come. As the years passed, bequests, corporate donations, and smaller, thoughtful, individual offerings were funneled into the endowment.
Today, the assets of that fund total almost $514,000. To date, a whopping $483,000 has been given in distributions back to the charity – equal to 93% of the invested amount. Those gifts could easily have been spent throughout the years, and would have had a substantial impact on the community. But compare that impact to the benefit the local community continues to realize through the endowment of those gifts. It is great to think that in another 20 years, this story will still be relevant.
Donors who endow their gifts can make a difference in their community during their lifetime and, concurrently, provide a gift that lasts forever. Grants will continue to be made in the name of the fund you establish or to which you contribute, so that your charitable wishes are preserved forever.
Click
here for more information on endowments.
Double Your Money - Acorn Anniversary Matches Available
To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Acorn Funds at MCF, $1000 matches are available in November to individuals who have never before created an Acorn fund. For more information, please contact Paul Houseman, Donor Relations Manager, at (608) 232-1763, or visit the
Acorn Anniversary Match story page.
Library Naming Opportunity in Monona
If you have ever wanted to name a library, this is your time to do it! Donate at least $60 or more to the Monona Library “Booked For Life” endowment campaign and receive naming rights to the library for a day of your choosing in 2010. In addition, your name and picture will be prominently displayed on the website and entrance television. Donors will also receive a reserved parking space just for that day’s “Library Owner,” a place to plug their favorite library items, and a certificate of authenticity commemorating the name change. Individuals or families have the opportunity to re-name the library for just $60 while businesses or other organizations may do so for $100.
Monona Library is one of three Dane County libraries, who, along with Waunakee Public Library and Sequoya Branch Library, were each offered a $50,000 challenge grant to fill before December 31, 2009. The grants will provide up to $50,000 if each library can raise $100,000. In the case of Monona, all donations will assist in purchasing library materials in coming years. A $500 donation will endow an annual book purchase at the library in perpetuity.
The pressure is on to meet the fundraising deadline. Funds or pledges for all three libraries must be received on or before December 31, 2009, to receive the matching grant.
To contribute online to any of the library endowment campaigns, visit:
Waunakee: click
here.
Monona: click
here.
Sequoya Branch: click
here.
Distribution Deadlines
The November deadline for requesting distributions from an MCF fund is Monday, November 16th. Checks will be mailed from the MCF office on Wednesday, November 27th.
The December deadline for requesting distributions is Monday, December 15th. December distribution checks will be mailed on Wednesday, December 29th.
To request a distribution please contact Connie Tibbetts, Accounting Manager, at (608) 232-1763 or via email at
ctibbetts@madisoncommunityfoundation.org Year-End Tax Planning with MCF Passthrough Funds
It’s November and your tax advisor tells you that you could use an additional $20,000 in charitable contribution deductions for the year. What to do? Create a passthrough fund with Madison Community Foundation. A passthrough fund is like a charitable checking account that allows you to make one lump-sum contribution to MCF now, and take your time in recommending distributions to your favorite charities throughout the next twelve months.
To learn more and review a sample passthrough fund agreement, click
here.
MCF Congratulates Awards Recipients
The Madison Community Foundation Board of Governors and staff are proud to congratulate the recipients of the 2009 awards to be presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Madison Chapter at its luncheon on November 13, 2009.
“These people and organizations are truly heroes in our community," said Kathleen Woit, President of Madison Community Foundation. “They are to be commended for their vision, hard work, and commitment to making extraordinary projects possible throughout Dane County.”
The recipients and their affiliations are:
Olbrich Botanical Society – Outstanding Philanthropic Organization/Foundation
For outstanding excellence in philanthropy.
R.O.A.R. Renegades: Middleton High School Class of 2009 - Outstanding Young Philanthropist
For the fundraising campaign to benefit Madison Outreach Ministries
Food Pantry, Spring, 2009.Becky Steinhoff, Director of Goodman Community Center - Outstanding Fundraising Professional
For her participation in the Goodman Community Center Capital
Campaign and other fundraising.
2009 Special Tribute - Robert Bolz, Oscar G. Mayer and Irwin Goodman
For outstanding lifetime philanthropic achievement.
They will be recognized along with other award recipients on National Philanthropy Day®, Friday, November 13, 2009 at Overture Center for the Arts.
Upcoming Events for Agencies Supported by MCF
“The Elixer of Love” – Opera for the Young at HeartWhat: Professional opera production with participation from young and the young at heart.
When: November 3, 5, 6, 2009
Where: Various locations.
For more information, call or visit the
Opera for the Young website.
Tables of Note – Benefit for Madison Symphony OrchestraWhat: Benefit for MSO’s Education and Community Engagement Programs
When: November 11 and 12, 2009
Where: Arbor Gate Building, 2901 West Beltline Highway
For more information, call (608)-238-9836 or visit the
MSO website.
Explore Cheeses from Wisconsin – Benefit for Community Groundworks at Troy GardensWhat: Ken Monteleone of Fromagination presents “Cheeses from Wisconsin and their perfect pairings.”
When: Committed reservation required by November 19, 2009; event is December 3, 2009
Where: Private home on The Square
For more information, call (608)240-0409 or visit the
Community Groundworks website.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” live radio drama benefitting Middleton Outreach MinistriesWhat: A live radio drama performed by the Sycamore Street Ensemble. Great family entertainment.
When: December 6, 12, 13, 2009
Where: Middleton Performing Arts Center
For more information, call (608)-829-1929 or visit the
MOM website.
Winter Solstice Celebration at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center
What: Celebrating Winter Solstice traditions around the globe! Excellent family fare.
When: Friday, December 18, 2009
Where: Aldo Leopold Nature Center Monona Campus
For more information, please call (608)-221-4038 or visit the
ALNC website.