Operations
Disaster Relief Program fundraiser slated for last 2 Sundays in June
The devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma and Texas remind us that at any moment one of our centers may find itself in the midst of a disaster. That’s why home office has created a Disaster Relief Program – to ensure that we can provide immediate, consistent, and targeted support to member communities when they need our help.
To raise funds for the program, home office is inviting all centers to hold a fundraiser on the last two Sundays in June. If every congregant gives $10, we will raise $250,000 to support our communities. All the materials you need for the fundraiser, including talking points, a PowerPoint presentation to show congregants, and artwork that can be used for a label to place on fundraising buckets can be found on our internal Web site.
We need qualified disaster relief personnel. We are also inviting ministers, practitioners, and laity who are experienced and qualified in disaster relief to serve on the committee. Specific skills we are looking for include direct disaster relief experience in a public safety capacity–police, fire, EMT; experience with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or with agencies working with FEMA, or with the Red Cross or similar agency, or state or local emergency management agencies; experience in commercial construction and remodeling, building supplies procurement or commercial insurance underwriting or claims; licensed mental health counselor or therapist with crisis and emergency counseling training and/or experience. Applications can be found on the internal website.
If you would like to contribute, send your donation to Centers for Spiritual Living, 573 Park Point Drive, Golden, CO 80401. Please put “Disaster Relief” on the memo line of your check.
Securing your center’s future through an endowment
By Lynn Thomas, Executive Director lthomas@csl.org
Science of Mind Foundation
When your center decides to establish an endowment, it is taking a critical step in securing its long-term future by creating a fund that will provide reliable, permanent financial support.
How do you start? Your center can create an endowment with a simple program to set out the processes and resources needed to raise funds for the endowment. To forge a successful program, begin with solid planning that includes these steps:
- Ask your board to approve establishment of an endowment fund and an endowment program.
- Form an endowment committee.
- Write a case statement.
- Establish a planned giving/bequest program.
What is a planned giving/bequest program? Initially, this basic program undertakes, through marketing and education, to inform your members why it is important to have a will or trust and the difference they can make by naming your center in that document (or certain other financial instruments, such as an IRA).
Who can help me with this program? The Science of Mind Foundation can help you establish your program. Look for monthly tips on building your endowment in this newsletter. You may also contact me for assistance at 720-279-1623 or lthomas@somfoundation.org.
