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For Your Convenience Checks for the Education Endowment Fund may be written: LWVKAEF Endowment Mail
to: Your Pledge Will Give Democracy An Edge
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Anywhere you might go, just mention the League of Women Voters, and someone will immediately identify it with Voter Guides and candidate forums. This instant recognition with nonpartisan Voter Guides and other get-out-the-vote activities motivates the League of Women Voters of the Kalamazoo Area to continue offering these valuable services to the community for each general election. Our most recent efforts include candidate information on audio tape and large print accessibility through the Internet. Last year we began a countywide program providing copies of the Voter Guides to graduating seniors who would be eligible to vote in the next general election. We hope to expand these voting services in the schools. Popularity at a Cost However, the popularity of the Voter Guide, voter registration information, and candidate and issues forums doesn't come without a cost. It is expensive to publish and distribute the printed and audio versions of the Voter Guide annually, especially in the even numbered years when we elect a president or governor. The LWVKA's annual budget typically includes an amount from general funds for voter education. These funds are from members dues and fundraising activities like the sale of postcards and notepaper. Additionally, the LWVKA has a tax-exempt Education Fund which is designated for current voter education. This funding usually covers the cost of voter services during the odd numbered years when only local elections and ballot questions are covered. However, this funding is far from adequate during the presidential and gubernatorial elections. For example, during last year's presidential election, we received funding from grant-writing and business contributions, which allowed us to print 22,000 Voter Guides. That number included an extra 10,000 copies, which ran out within days of distribution in the community! Recognizing A Need Because of the growing popularity and desirability for non-partisan voter education and services, especially during presidential and gubernatorial election years, LWVKA now recognizes the importance of having a separate fund which, when invested wisely, will grow to create funding for voter services on an on-going basis. For this purpose, the Education Endowment Fund of the League of Women Voters Kalamazoo Area was created. About the Endowment Fund The Education Endowment Fund is tax-exempt, invested with a national brokerage firm. It is well-managed in a conservative, high ranking, no-load mutual fund. Currently its balance is over $5,OOO. Our goal is to acquire $80,000 by the year 2006, giving us five years for fund -raising. Unless our programs and costs exceed the anticipated average of 5% interest generated on $80,OOO, once our goal is met we will need to only occasionally request further contributions for educational programs. In fact, when the Education Endowment Fund reaches the midway point at $40,000, we could begin an annual withdrawal of earnings which would allow us to support a minimal level of $2000 for voter education efforts (an amount currently spent during the non- presidential gubernatorial election years). LWVKA needs to focus on educational activities, not fundraising, each election year. Grant writing and solicitation of community funds takes time away from voter education. With substantial financial support from our farsighted members and friends, we can assure the ongoing performance of our shared visions. With the Education Endowment Fund we hope to further expand our voter education in local schools, and continue efforts for the disabled in the community. The Education Endowment Fund of the League of Women Voters of the Kalamazoo Area is a 501(C)3 fund for non-profit organizations, with any gifts and bequests fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by federal and state law. If, for any reason, the League of Women Voters Kalamazoo Area ceases to exist, the Education Endowment Fund would revert to the League of Women Voters of Michigan, to the League of Women Voters of the United States and/or to an organization with similar goals. Therefore, the intent of the donor and the growth of the fund will continue to be used for the intention of the donor: Ongoing voter education. How to donate to the LWVKA Education Fund or the Education Endowment Fund The Education Endowment Fund is separate from the Education Fund which many League members and supporters in the community contribute to each year. By investing the contributions to the endowment fund we will be able to achieve the future goals of LWVKA; while the Education Fund allows us to continue to meet the current needs of voter education. LWVKA welcomes and appreciates your donations to both tax exempt funds. Contributions may be made in the form of cash, stocks or bonds. You may wish to remember us when making memoriam, in your will or estate planning, or as a beneficiary of your retirement or insurance account. We will happily accept your pledge to the Voter Education Endowment Fund and send you reminders until it is paid in full. For example, if you pledge $500 over five years, you only need to send $25 every three months over the five years. (NOTE: $500 will pay for the printing of 2,500 Voter Guides.) |
