TCF has been widely recognized as a unique lifeline for those who are dealing with the tremendous grief.
ABOUT TCF FONDATION
The mission of TCF Foundation is to build endowed funds to ensure that The Compassionate Friends will always be available for families following the death of a child.
Year after year for nearly four decades, The Compassionate Friends has spread hope to more and more bereaved families. TCF has been widely recognized as a unique lifeline for those who are dealing with the tremendous grief that follows the death of a child. The organization has built this reputation in spite of struggling with the financial ups and downs that plague nearly all nonprofits.
From these financial struggles emerged the idea that a foundation might be created with the sole purpose of guaranteeing enough financial stability for The Compassionate Friends to always “be there” to provide emotional support to those who may see no hope. In 2000, thanks to the dedication and commitment of many members and friends of TCF, that dream came true with the creation of TCF Foundation.
While TCF Foundation has come a long way since its inception, there is still a long way to go before its mission can truly be reached. As a member of TCF or simply as a caring individual, you can support TCF Foundation through donations that can take many different forms.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How is giving to TCF Foundation different from giving to TCF?
A donation to TCF can be made in any amount, and that full amount can be used immediately by the organization. These donations are very important to TCF each year. TCF Foundation has been established to accept major gifts of $5,000 or more for placement into an endowment fund from which distributions will be made each year to TCF.
How does TCF Benefit from TCF Foundation?
Each year, TCF Foundation’s Board of Trustees will determine how much the endowment fund should distribute to The Compassionate Friends. The larger the endowment fund’s balance, the larger the distribution TCF will receive each year. A large gift to TCF Foundation’s endowment fund will ensure a steady funding stream for TCF each year, enabling the organization to more effectively plan for programs such as ongoing chapter leadership training. For example, a one-time gift of $20,000 to TCF Foundation would result in an approximate $1,000 distribution to TCF every year following that gift.
Can I donate something other than cash?
Absolutely! TCF Foundation is prepared to receive contributions of stock, insurance, IRA’s, bequests, and property. Please contact TCF’s national office for further information.
Can I specify how my contribution is to be used?
TCF Foundation will accept restricted-use gifts of $20,000 or more provided the use lies within TCF’s mission. The foundation’s Board of Trustees must approve restricted gifts.
Why is the minimum contribution $5,000?
The minimum donation to TCF Foundation was set at $5,000 to encourage members and friends of TCF to continue their present level of giving to TCF while considering, in addition, an exceptional—perhaps one-time—gift to TCF Foundation that will have lasting value. Such gifts may include appreciated assets and securities, insurance policies no longer needed, or estate planning initiatives. The trustees may occasionally open the fund to lower minimum gifts.
May I pledge future gifts to the endowment fund?
Yes, pledges to be paid over a maximum of three years are welcome. Thus, a donor may reach the $5,000 minimum gift amount by pledging $1,700 for each of the next three years ($5,100 total).