Endowment Questions & Answers

Q. What is an endowment?
A. An endowment is a permanent fund of donated money that is invested to create a reliable source of
annual income for a charitable organization. Many public and private charities use endowments as their
primary source of funding. Donors often prefer to give to an endowment because their contributions make a significant difference as an ongoing source of income instead of a one-time gift. An endowment is often called “the gift that keeps giving” because the endowed donations will support the Kansas FFA and Foundation now and in the future.

Q. What will the funds be used for?
A. All funds donated to the Kansas FFA Foundation are used to support the Kansas FFA’s mission, vision
and operations.

Q. What is the Kansas FFA Foundation?
A. The Kansas FFA Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works with individuals, businesses, and organizations that want to support, through charitable donations, the Kansas FFA Association programs, events, and operations. The funds donated to the Foundation provide funding opportunities to members and agricultural educators such as career and leadership development, scholarships, conventions, BEST program, and more.

Q. Why does the Foundation need to raise funds?
A. Kansas FFA programs are funded through donations, grants, sponsorships and a portion of membership fees. None of these are guaranteed funding, and any of them could change or even end at any time. Furthermore, the Kansas FFA budget has remained the same for a decade even though the chapters and members have grown by over 30%. To continue providing quality programs and support both the membership and ag educators, the Kansas FFA Foundation needs to secure a reliable and sustainable funding resource. An endowment fund meets this need and, along with the Foundation’s other charitable funding resources, will supply the revenue needs of the Kansas FFA Association, its programs, and events.

Q. How will my donation help Kansas FFA members?
A. Donations support the creation, development, and implementation of the Kansas FFA Association’s
curriculum, programs, and events throughout the state. Charitable gifts create member opportunities in
leadership and career development training and conferences. Through our BEST program, donations support and assist agricultural educators with the latest advancements in ag education and new teacher
training. Your donation will impact over 11,470 members, 226 local chapters, and 279 high school
agricultural educators across Kansas.

Q. How can I participate?
A. There are multiple ways individuals, families, businesses or organizations can participate. Visit any KS
FFA Foundation’s social media/online portals (Facebook, Webpage, Twitter, Instagram) and look for the
“Donate” link. You can also contact the Foundation office at 785-410-2576, and we can take your
donation over the phone or answer any of your questions.

Q. What type of donations does the Foundation accept?
A. While we expect a majority of our donors will make a recurring donation (pledges) to the campaign, the KS FFA Foundation offers a variety of giving methods. Pledges, Planned Giving, Gifts of Agricultural
Commodities, IRA Distributions, One-time Cash Gifts, Gifts of Stock, Bonds or other Securities, Employer
Matching Gifts, and more. The Foundation strives to work with donors by providing methods of giving that will assist donors in meeting their philanthropic goals. Have something else in mind? Let’s talk.

Q. Can I dedicate my donation to memorialize or honor a special person in my life?
A. Yes. Any gift can be a Memorial or Honorary dedicated gift. These dedications will be listed in the donor recognition sections of the Foundation’s online or printed materials.

Q. Why should I make a pledge vs. a one-time gift?
A. Pledging over five years allows our donors to make a more sizable pledge in a more comfortable way.
Donors can make pledged payments monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual using a schedule and plan that suits their individual needs. The FFA Foundation sends pledge reminders before their due dates as a convenience to donors. Giving is personal though, so please make your contribution in the way that feels the best to you.

Q. What if I don’t want to give to an endowment?
A. While we are hoping that a majority of the contributions go toward the Endowment Campaign to create more stability in our funding, we know that some of our donors may wish to contribute to our general fund to have their contribution used immediately. We are happy to discuss this option with you and appreciate your support for the current needs of the Kansas FFA Association.

Q. Is my donation tax-deductible?
A. Yes. Contributions to the Kansas FFA Foundation are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. The
Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Every donation receives an official receipt from the
Foundation that can be used for your tax records.

Q. If I have questions, who can I contact?
A. Any staff member at the Kansas FFA Foundation will be happy to answer your questions. Please call
785-410-2576 or send us an email at [email protected].