The Storyteller - Volume 2, Issue
Volume 2, Issue 4 July 10, 2008
In this Issue of The Storyteller we want to highlight the two foundations of Kiwanis: International and District. The Kiwanis International Foundation (KIF), a 501©(3) tax-exempt organization, was established as a legal entity in 1939. When Kiwanis International celebrated its 25th anniversary, one year later Kiwanian Walter Zeller donated 25 silver dollars in hopes that these would be auctioned to provide a “nest egg” for the Foundation. Thankfully, the nest egg netted US$625 and the Foundation’s worldwide service began.
From those humble beginnings, the Kiwanis International Foundation has grown to a multimillion-dollar foundation, providing grants to thousands of organizations worldwide aimed at making better lives for children. Thus, the KIF’s mission – to assist Kiwanis International in serving the children of the world – is its top priority.
The Kiwanis International Foundation is on the threshold of one of the most exciting periods of its history. Powerful forces are reshaping the landscape of children’s issues, and the foundation is responding by remaining focused on its mission, strengthening its programs, and securing the resources needed to meet these challenges and to excel.
Currently the Kiwanis International Foundation has a lofty goal, and you can help. The Foundation has launched the You Can Make a Difference campaign to raise US$37 million by December 31, 2008. From those funds, allocations will be made to support the Kiwanis youth leadership, including Circle K and Key Club International, Builders Club, K-Kids and Aktion Clubs. The funds will be used to distribute grants around the world. Contributions will be made to sustain the Worldwide Service Project (Iodine Deficiency Disorder). Monies also will be given to build new initiatives and infrastructure and, US$2 million will be used to build the new education center and auditorium at the Kiwanis International Office in Indianapolis.
As most Kiwanians know, the International Foundation is not supported by any monetary dues from clubs, magazine subscriptions or merchandise purchases. Yearly, each Kiwanis club is encouraged to donate $5.00 per member to the KIF. The Foundation is strictly grown from contributions from the Kiwanis International membership, which is why your help is so important!
The Pennsylvania Kiwanis Foundation (PKF) is a 501©(3) tax-exempt organization that was established in 1980 for the purpose of expanding the reach of the Pennsylvania District Kiwanis by helping projects that exceed the scope and mission of individual clubs.
All Pennsylvania Kiwanians are members of the Foundation. A fifteen member elected board is responsible for the operations of the Foundation. Five members are elected each year at the District Convention for three year terms. The board in turn appoints a Secretary/Treasurer.
While the activities of the Pennsylvania Kiwanis Foundation may change from time to time based on need, there are two major areas of commitment:
• Kiwanis Children's Heart Program
• Key Club and Circle K Scholarships
The Rose Sale is a district-wide project of the PKF, which organizes it, provides promotional materials and covers all expenses. Individual clubs retain the majority of the net proceeds from the sale. The remainder is used by the Foundation for current projects and to build an endowment.
Since it began in 2002, this highly successful fund raiser has been a primary source of revenue for both the Foundation and for local clubs. The sale has currently providing over $100,000 annually for local club service projects.
The Pennsylvania Kiwanis Foundation and its growth and success depend on the membership of the Pennsylvania District Kiwanis. Yearly, each club is encouraged to donate $3.00 per member to the PKF. Through this willing offering, Pennsylvania Kiwanians make certain that they are serving the children of our world!