JLL's Endowment Fund
Women's Intuition
The reality of today’s lifestyle was envisioned over 25 years ago by a group of Junior League of Lansing (JLL) women who realized that because of the increasing demands on a woman’s time, actual volunteer hours would be diminishing, including time for fundraising. On May 14, 1984 these women established the Junior League of Lansing Endowment Fund, whereby the principal would be invested and interest earned off the fund would be granted to the League to help fund community projects.
When Every Dollar Counts
The Fund started with $251 and today has grown to over one-half million dollars. It is administered by a Board of Trustees consisting of two Sustaining Members of the Junior League who serve as Chair and Secretary, an Active Member of the League who is the immediate past Treasurer of JLL and who serves as Treasurer of the Endowment, and two members of the Community At-Large. The President-elect of the League serves ex officio.
The Endowment is guided by a Declaration of Trust and has an established Investment Policy and Spending Policy. Annually five percent of the average of the Trust balance over the past twelve rolling quarters is tendered to the League to be used to support the JLL Mission. The grant to the League in 2010-2011 was just over $24,300. The Endowment Board of Trustees meets quarterly and funds are managed by the Trust Department at Fifth Third Bank.
A Commitment to Growth
The fund grows through prudent investing, creative fundraising and individual contributions to the principal of the fund. Over 500 individuals have contributed to the fund since its inception.
Two annual drives are initiated by the Endowment Board to raise funds: an end of the year Annual Giving Campaign and a “Round Up Your Dues Campaign” in the Spring. In addition contributions are received through Planned Giving, Special Fundraising Events and in memory or in honor of JLL members and friends.
Contributions to the fund should be made out to JLL Endowment Fund and mailed to the JLL Office. All contributions to the Endowment Fund are tax deductible.
2010-2011 Endowment Fund Board of Trustees Chair, JLL Sustainer – Mary West Vice Chair, At-Large Community Member – Frank Freund Secretary, JLL Sustainer – Kim Hartman Treasurer, Active Member – Nicki Proulx Trustee, At-Large Community Member – David H. Brogan JLL President-Elect, ex officio – Kate Powers
