TCF Foundation

The mission of TCF Foundation is to build endowed funds
to ensure that The Compassionate Friends will always be
available for families following the death of a child

TCF Foundation Q & A

WHY NOW?

Through the generous support of individuals, corporations, and The Compassionate Friends' chapters, TCF is in the strongest financial position in its history. In past years, any donation to TCF was needed immediately to fund the activities of the organization. While operating fund donations are needed and appreciated, we are now in a position to also accept gifts that will build TCF's future.

HOW IS GIVING TO TCF FOUNDATION DIFFERENT FROM GIVING TO TCF?

A donation to TCF can be made in any amount, and that full amount can be used immediately by the organization. These donations are very important to TCF each year. TCF Foundation has been established to accept major gifts of $5,000 or more for placement into an endowment fund from which distributions will be made each year to TCF. As an endowment fund, only the earnings generated by the fund each year can be distributed

HOW DOES TCF BENEFIT FROM TCF FOUNDATION?

Each year, TCF Foundation’s Board of Trustees will use the earnings generated by the endowment fund to make a financial distribution to The Compassionate Friends. The larger the endowment fund’s balance, the more earnings will be generated, and the larger the distribution TCF will receive each year. A large gift to TCF Foundation’s endowment fund will ensure a steady funding stream for TCF each year, enabling the organization to more effectively plan for programs such as ongoing chapter leadership training. For example, a one-time gift of $20,000 to TCF Foundation would probably result in at least a $1,000 distribution to TCF every year following that gift.

CAN I DONATE SOMETHING OTHER THAN CASH?

Absolutely! TCF Foundation is prepared to receive contributions of stock, insurance, IRA's, bequests, and property. Please contact TCF's national office for further information.

CAN I SPECIFY HOW MY CONTRIBUTION IS TO BE USED?

TCF Foundation will accept restricted-use gifts of $20,000 or more provided the use lies within TCF's mission. The foundation's board of trustees must approve restricted gifts. Of course, only the earnings on the gifted amount would be available for use each year.

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE ENDOWMENT CAMPAIGN?

Since only the earnings generated by the endowment fund can be distributed to TCF each year, a large fund balance is necessary to provide a steady stream of funding for TCF programs. Before the campaign ends in July,2003, the campaign committee plans to raise at least $1 million, which would provide approximately $50,000 per year to TCF. We hope to exceed that goal.

WHY IS THE MINIMUM CONTRIBUTION $5,000?

It is essential to the financial stability of The Compassionate Friends that the current levels of annual private and corporate donations continue while the endowment fund is being developed. The minimum donation to TCF Foundation was set at $5,000 to encourage members and friends of TCF to continue their present level of giving to TCF while considering, in addition, an exceptional—perhaps one-time—gift to TCF Foundation that will have lasting value. Such gifts may include highly appreciated assets and securities, insurance policies no longer needed, or estate planning initiatives. The trustees may occasionally open the fund to lower minimum gifts.

MAY I PLEDGE FUTURE GIFTS TO THE ENDOWMENT FUND?

Yes, pledges to be paid over a maximum of three years are welcome. Thus, a donor may reach the $5,000 minimum gift amount by pledging $1,700 for each of the next three years ($5,100 total).

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