What is the Junior League of Portland Endowment Fund?
The Endowment Fund is a separate investment fund for the benefit of the Junior League of Portland.  A gift to the Endowment Fund becomes part of a permanent investment, whose interest and dividends provide an ongoing source of financial support to the JLP in the years ahead. 

Purpose
The purpose of the Endowment Fund is to provide a perpetual source of funds that will strengthen and enable long-term financial stability to the Mission and Focus of the Junior League of Portland.   A strong Endowment Fund enables our League to increase our annual distribution amounts to help support our Community Programs, encourage our members to tackle tough issues and address under-funded areas of need in the greater Portland area.
 
Fund History
The JLP endowment fund was established in 1994 with an unexpected surplus from extremely successful fundraising efforts. Over the past 13 years, the fund has grown steadily with contributions from annual fundraisers, individual donations, and market performance and interest gains. 

Oversight and Fund Management 
The fund is managed by the Oregon Community Foundation (www.ocf1.org) and communications are done through the Junior League of Portland’s Endowment Committee.

Current Goals
The JLP Endowment-Building Campaign Plan 2007-2010 was put into place to generate $100,000 in gifts to the JLP Endowment by May 31st, 2010.  Our League hopes to bring the fund balance to a minimum of $500,000 for the celebration of the JLP’s centennial anniversary. 

Accomplishments and Fund Status
The Endowment Fund Committee would like to thank everyone who participated in the initial launch in 2007-2008.  This launch successfully culminated in over $37,000 in contributions for the first in the three year drive.  As of June 2008, the Endowment fund balance was just over $429,000

Income Disbursement
The balance of the Endowment Fund and all contributions made to the Fund shall remain in the account until the balance has reached a minimum of $500,000, at which time, the JLP should start taking an annual disbursement from the fund.  The principal balance of the Fund should remain intact and only fund earnings, as approved by the Oregon Community Fund board, shall be disbursed for use by the JLP to help sustain, expand and initiate League designated community program support. 

Benefits of Donating
There are many reasons to give a gift to the JLP Endowment Fund.

• Investing in the future – your contribution becomes principal to the fund and is never spent on projects, but rather is invested to create income in perpetuity.  That income will in turn be used to support the JLP’s mission and focus. 
  
• Celebration and Acknowledgement – The Endowment Fund gives donors a means and opportunity to recognize what is important to them – family, friends, special occasions, events and remembrances.
• Donation Flexibility – The Fund offers a range of diverse donation options to satisfy the needs of contributors who wish to support the JLP and their community for their lifetime and beyond:
  
  • Credit cards, checks, cash
  • Corporate matching funds
  • Securities (stocks and bonds)
  • Bequests, estates and wills
  • Memorial funds
• Tax Benefits and Savings – Endowment Fund contributions may be tax-deductible in whole or in part.  Be sure to check with your tax advisor for specific details.
• Ease of Participation – Active League members, Sustainers, Portland residents and businesses have a convenient way to contribute to the JLP year-round, whether or not they choose to participate in other League fundraising events.
• League Recognition – Endowment Fund donors will receive recognition by being listed in a special section of our newsletter at the end of the year.  Donors will also receive an acknowledgment letter in the mail.

Annual Recognition Levels are as follows: 
Gretchen Corbett Society ($1,000 and above)
Pioneer ($500 to $999)
Bridge Builder ($250 to $499)
Cascade ($100 to $249)
Rose  ($1 to $99)

1910 Legacy Circle
To acknowledge and honor our members and friends who remember the JLP Endowment Fund in their wills or estate plans. 

Questions?
Please direct questions to the Endowment Fund Board or contact the Junior League office at 503-297-6364 or the 2009-2010 Endowment Committee Chair, Beth Burris, at marknbeth1@msn.com 

Make a Donation Today!!
Contributions to the Endowment Fund can be made online by clicking on the “Donate” button