How do we secure the future of Jefferson County 4-H with endowments
Our Fund is managed by and under the umbrella of the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA) which is a private, nonprofit corporation that encourages individuals and organizations to connect with and make gifts to the university.
Our Fund held by the WFAA solely benefits county based 4-H youth programs in Jefferson County as authorized and overseen by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension, through the guidance of the 4-H Program Educator and direction of the Jefferson County 4-H Endowment Fund Committee in collaboration with the Jefferson County 4-H Leaders Association.
The Fund committee provides local fiduciary oversight, strategic management, and stewardship of the endowment’s permanent funds to ensure long-term financial health and to support its mission. The committee establishes fund policies, defines spending rules, monitors performance (growth through additional contributions and investment return), and ensures compliance with donor intent.
Mutual stewardship
The Fund is a partnership between supporters and the Jefferson County 4-H Program based on the idea of mutual stewardship. By supporting the endowment fund, supporters act as stewards for the Jefferson County 4-H Program. And by using the income generated by the endowment to fulfill its mission and purpose, the Jefferson County 4-H Endowment Fund Committee acts as a steward to and for the supporters and the 4-H community in Jefferson County.
The Fund was established with the principal (that is, the amount of a donor’s original gift) is never touched, but it is invested to produce income. The income from the Fund is to be used on an annual basis to support the Jefferson County 4-H Program.
The goal of the Committee is to make regular, annual distributions from the Fund based on a limitation of five to seven percent of the Fund value at the prior year end. This policy focuses on building diversification from equity and fixed income investments to potentially seek long-term investment growth. This creates a more active endowment program with the intent to generate more interest and commitment in giving by supporters of the Jefferson County 4-H Program. Consideration needs to be given to the fact that this growth method may allow for distributions in years when the market performance is poor.
Growing the fund
The endowment fund is designed to secure and maintain the Jefferson County 4-H Program for future generations through charitable giving. Here are a few key points:
Permanent Investment: A donor can make a meaningful permanent investment in the long-term sustainability of 4-H through the endowment. The principal remains intact, with only the interest spent, ensuring the Jefferson County 4-H Program can thrive into the future.
Investment Strategy: Funds are invested to grow the principal and generate income for the long-term sustainability of the Jefferson County 4-H Program.
Sustainability: The endowment ensures that the funds are broad enough to provide annual grants in support of the needs of the Jefferson County 4-H Program.
Community Contributions: By donating to the endowment fund, individuals and organizations can contribute to the long-term sustainability of 4-H, ensuring that 4-H remains a vital resource for youth development.
Donor Support: The WFAA can collaborate with donors to structure endowment gifts that meet their own personal vision and generosity in building a legacy that extends their values far into the future.
Investing in our youth
The Jefferson County 4-H Endowment Fund Committee invites Fund grant application requests from Jefferson County 4-H youth, 4-H leaders, 4-H project committee members, the 4-H leaders association board, and the 4-H program educator. The grant is only for the Jefferson County 4-H program and not for individual members or clubs.
Our core values
Since 2001 the Jefferson County 4-H Endowment Fund has been committed to the mission of “Funding Opportunities for Jefferson County Youth through 4-H.”
The following core values guide our efforts to lead the Jefferson County 4-H Endowment Fund.
Commitment: The Endowment Committee is committed to connecting donor passions with programmatic purpose to support the Jefferson County 4-H Program and the youth it serves, for the betterment of our communities, our country, and our world.
Integrity: In service to our donors, 4-H’ers, volunteers and supporters, the Endowment Committee will act in a way that promotes trust and accountability. The Endowment Committee will honor donor intent and make decisions in the best interest of those we serve.
Growth: In an ever-changing world, the Endowment Committee remains open to adapting our efforts to support the Jefferson County 4-H Program. Through innovation, continuous improvement and a growth mindset, the Endowment Committee sees opportunities and is committed to pursuing them.
Gratitude: In gratitude for all that the Jefferson County 4-H Program offers young people; past, present, and future, the Endowment Committee channels the generosity of donors. In gratitude to the donors who make 4-H opportunities possible, the Endowment Committee will recognize their gifts and share the impact of their generosity.