Fund to cultivate continued giving

The format of the Kiwanis Children’s Fund is changing, but its purpose will remain the same: enabling donors to assist the Kiwanis International Foundation in serving the children of the world through its grants program.

“Over the years,” says Foundation President C. Edward Callis, “Kiwanians and non-Kiwanians have joined together to help young children facing disaster, injury, abandonment, and heartbreaking issues no child should ever have to face. By supporting the Kiwanis Children’s Fund, they have helped us create brighter futures for these children. The world is a better place because of their support.”

The Foundation hopes to boost the impact of the Kiwanis Children’s Fund by making some changes in the way it is administered. The primary change, according to Gregg Puls, manager of Annual Giving, will be the creation of a Sustaining Donor program.

“The Children’s Fund is our primary, unrestricted fund that supports grants, scholarships, and our Service Leadership Programs,” Gregg notes. “Over the years, Kiwanis has provided more than US$182 million in grants to meet the needs of children worldwide. Those needs are growing, and to continue meeting them we need to bolster the Children’s Fund by encouraging people to become regular givers and to consider increasing what they give.

“The Sustaining Donor program—with its motto of ‘Every Kiwanian, Every Year”—will recognize those members who support the Children’s Fund on an annual basis.”

Recognition will come in various ways, depending on the amount donated over the course of a year. Kiwanians who donate at least $100, for example, will receive a certificate of appreciation. Those who donate at least $250 will receive the certificate and a special gift from the Foundation. Donors of at least $500 will receive the certificate and gift, as well as regular updates from the Foundation President. And in addition to these three rewards, those who give a total of at least $1,000 during the year will be invited to a Foundation reception staged at the Kiwanis International convention.

“While the Sustaining Donor program encourages all Kiwanians to give at least $100 per year, a gift of any size is appreciated,” Gregg stresses. “It’s our hope, though, that a Kiwanian who routinely gives $25 or $50 will seriously consider increasing it and becoming a Sustaining donor.”

If you’d like more information about how you can become a Sustaining Donor to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund, you can send Gregg an e-mail or phone him at 317-217-6259, or 800-KIWANIS, ext. 259.