Endowment: Because History Matters
The $40 million endowment campaign, which began January 1, 2005, has passed the $11 million mark. During this campaign we are encouraging all our members and friends to consider endowment gifts either current or deferred. Ninety-six named Funds and twelve Named Pooled Funds have been established in support of the Society’s work. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, the Society received nine new Named Funds and one new Named Pooled Fund.
The Society’s Named Endowment program provides donors with a wonderful opportunity to create a permanent legacy in their names or in memory or in honor of others. These funds will provide valuable support for the Society’s programs for generations to come.
The Society’s charter requires that bequests lacking restrictions from a donor be held in perpetuity. Accordingly, such gifts become part of the Society’s endowment. Earnings on these bequests that exceed the spending rate approved by the Society’s governing board are added to the principal value of the endowment.
The Society offers two types of named endowments – individual funds and named funds within program pooled funds as described below.
Individual Named Funds
Individual funds can be created with a current or future planned gift of $50,000 or more. Development staff members work with donors to create a tailor-made fund that provides support for an aspect of the Society’s work that is of special interest to the donor or for the general support of the Society.
Program Pooled Funds
Donors can create a named fund within one of the many program pooled funds approved by the Society’s Executive Council with current or future planned gifts of $10,000 or more.
Endowment Opportunities
Gifts to endowment can be outright or through a bequest, a life income gift, a life insurance policy, or an IRA, 401(k) or other retirement account. Unless otherwise specified, all planned gifts benefiting the Society are directed to its endowment.
Donors may leave their gifts unrestricted or choose to benefit a specific program or historic site. Restricted gifts are often directed to a named endowment fund, which allows you to recognize a family member or friend, perpetuate your family's name or simply support a specific program or historic site that is important to you.
All endowment funds are professionally managed.
Learn More about Endowments
