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YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUS

November 15, 2008

Welcome to our second issue! The purpose of this newsletter is to keep Exchange Club leaders informed about the activities of your Foundation.

MISSION
To provide financial resources for the National Exchange Club Programs of Service

 VISION
Strong American families and National Exchange Club identity through the prevention of child abuse and Exchange’s Programs of Service

Fund Development: We are pleased to be partnering with Hartsook Companies, Inc. in an effort to reach beyond our inner family to develop the resources necessary for expanding our services into communities across the country. Hartsook vice president, Carolyn Matthews, is the fund raising manager with whom we are working to develop our plan. We are currently engaged in the campaign readiness review process to develop the specific goals necessary to achieve our aspirations. This is an exciting opportunity for us to grow in meaningful ways to assist clubs and centers throughout the country by accessing previously untapped resources. We will keep you posted on our progress!

Strategic Planning: In order to be good stewards of our resources and help our organization grow, your Foundation’s Board of Trustees has created a working strategic plan that includes focused goals for the coming year:

• Improved communications with all Exchange Club members through implementation of a comprehensive communications plan.
• Increased fund raising through alliance with Hartsook, development of corporate sponsorships, and other partnerships.
• Continued efforts in support of child abuse prevention.
• Increased coordination with the NEC for mutual benefit.
• Partnership with other national organizations in an effort to increase public awareness for Exchange.

 We are making progress on these goals, and we are committed to keeping Exchange Club leadership informed on the operations of the Foundation and the status of our projects. We realize the importance of maintaining communication with the leaders and membership of Exchange, strengthening our relationships within our organization, and developing partnerships in the larger outside community. 

Sponsorship: We are delighted to welcome Takeda Pharmaceuticals to our expanding family of partners. Takeda is an organization based on integrity and dedicated to service. One of their core beliefs is that common goals build strong relationships. In keeping with their commitment to social responsibility, they have awarded a $5,000 sponsorship to the NEC Foundation to advance our youth programs. We are looking forward to developing additional partners, with whom we share a commitment to improving our communities.

Corporate Opportunities: We are asking our Exchange Club members to help facilitate partnerships between the NEC Foundation and the corporations with which they work or have influence. We are developing corporate giving levels, as well as marketing and recognition opportunities for corporate sponsorship. Seeking such partnerships can be of mutual benefit to the Foundation and to the corporation.   Please contact Development Specialist, Stacy Stamm, at 800-924-2643 or sstamm@nationalexchangeclub.org with corporate contact information or suggestions. 

CAP Services to Centers:  Often the question arises, “What do we do for our CAP Centers?” It is sometimes assumed that we should fund them, but that has not proven to be effective, nor is that practiced by other national networks of service-providing agencies. In fact, most other national networks actually charge their local chapters for the services that The Foundation provides for free to our centers in good standing. Those services include:

• Training: a week-long orientation for new center directors, an annual symposium for CAP staff and board members, and training materials for on-site trainings.
• Technical support: one-on-one consultation for directors and board members regarding management, governance, and programming.
• Accreditation: Standards of Operation and Practice promote best practice in the field and assurance of quality program services.
• Statistical information and program evaluation assistance: data demonstrating the value of our programs helps centers compete for funding.
• Financial assistance: Stipends to offset expenses of traveling to symposium, bridge loans, supply credits, and small grants are available to help centers on a short-term basis.

Annual Campaign: Letters have been mailed to previous donors, requesting their continued support of our operations. This year, we are also sending letters to new Exchange Club members, explaining our projects and asking their support. New members typically join with a specific interest in one of our programs of service or the national project, but do not always receive timely information about the Foundation’s activities. The Annual Giving Campaign represents a significant portion of our operations budget, which provides for services to clubs and centers.

Did You Know?  The provision allowing IRA owners age 70 ½ or over to transfer up to $100,000 of their IRA directly to charity, was extended through the end of 2009. This provision allows you to directly donate funds from your IRA account to your NEC Foundation and still satisfy your required minimum distribution, without including it as income! What a simple and easy method for an end-of-year gift to your Foundation that reduces your tax liability! Contact your tax professional about taking advantage of the Charitable IRA Rollover.

Yours in Service,

Mike Jernigan, President
NEC Foundation