Giving Opportunities to the Rotary Foundation
Many of us Rotarians would like to assist the great work of the Rotary Foundation beyond our normal levels of Club and District support. I like to think of this as, “Service Beyond Self” not just, Service Above Self.” There is a team of Rotarian that are available to assist us in expediting this support. Among the ways that the Rotary Foundation is unique is that every dollar of principal contributed is spent for the good works of the Rotary Foundation. The few overheads needed to run and maintain the Rotary Foundation are paid for out of interest and never out of principal, so that every dollar contributed to principal is part of an endowment used to fund the programs of the Foundation. Not only are we unique as Rotarians, but our Foundation is unique as well. Recognizing that Rotary has members and friends of different vocations, incomes, and means, there are a variety of giving programs available to assist those of us who “want to go the extra mile.”
For as little as a $1,000 bequest in your will or beneficiary designation in your insurance policy, you can be recognized as a Bequest Society member, which is a direct contribution to the general endowment of the Fund. Endowed gift opportunities include: cash gifts that carry different levels of recognition (includes $10K for Major Donor Status and $25K for Major Donor Level 2 status that permits the donor to establish a named fund within the Rotary Foundation and even split incomes between the Foundation and the District if desired). Yet larger donations permit the donor to establish Donor Advised Funds with yet more direction as to how the income of the gift may be used.
In addition to present cash gifts, future gifts may be made through life insurance, by making a bequest in a will, or by gift through a trust. Gifts of securities and/or real estate may also be made, including the ability to continue to live in your home during your lifetime. Gifts of income may be made through annuities, charitable remainder trusts, a charitable IRA remainders or rollovers.
The point is that every Rotarian and every friend of Rotary may further the works of the Rotary Foundation in different ways and at any level that suits your individual circumstances. Please consider some of these giving opportunities in consultation with your financial advisor, insurance agent, banker, or attorney. Your desire, not just your present ability to give, can forever benefit the greatest number of people worldwide.
By Stu Levin, Attorney at Law
District 5890 Endowments Chair and Major Donor Advisor