Your Capital District Kiwanis Foundation Explained
by Joe Maranto, President

A number of Kiwanians are curious about the financial structure of the Capital District Kiwanis Foundation, its expenses, from where it receives its money, and how it is ultimately distributed throughout the Capital District.

The governing body of the Capital District Kiwanis Foundation is made up of one Kiwanis Trustee from each Division of the Capital District plus the Governor, the Governor Elect, the Secretary/Treasurer, Immediate Past Governor, Immediate Past President of the Capital District Foundation, Treasurer and the Executive Secretary.

Divisional Trustees are elected at their divisional annual meetings and serve a four-year term. Trustees for each division are responsible for attending and representing their divisions at scheduled District Foundation Board meetings, visiting clubs in their divisions, making presentations, recognizing clubs and individuals who have supported the Foundation, and keeping Kiwanians informed about how your money has been distributed.

The committee that makes all of our financial growth happen is the Finance and Investments Committee consisting of five members with current backgrounds in Finance, Accounting, and Investments. These members meet quarterly to review the investment portfolio and make recommendations for buying and selling stocks and other investments. Every recommendation is followed by a report that is presented to the CDKF Board for approval.

As of September 30, 2007, these individuals, through prudent investments over the years, have been able to produce the following:

1. Total current assets are $707,054.96 made up of investments, cash, and cash equivalents.
2. For the year ending September 30, 2007, your CDKF has given the financial assistance to the following:
   • Capital District Circle K-$9,335
   • Kiwanis International Matching Scholarships-$4,000
   • Robert H. Turner Scholarships (Key Clubs)-$1,000
   • 7 Pediatric Trauma Hospitals- $23,800
   • Teenager of the Year-$1,105
   • Grants-$5,000
   • For a Total of $44,240

Since last August, the Foundation has added 34 additional Life Memberships, 10 Founders Societies, and 3 Honorary Memberships to its rolls. These monies have been placed in their respective trust funds and will provide continual income for the years ahead. Every dollar we commit to special projects, children with special needs, scholarships, our Key Clubs, and our Circle K Family, is an investment in the future. As President of your CDKF, I want to assure you that we are good stewards of the funds entrusted to us.

We are also working towards having every club contribute to the $2 per member program. Keep in mind that half of every dollar from the $2 per member program is set aside for the 7 pediatric trauma centers in our district and is combined with the income raised from Ducky Derby and the Caring Corner. Approximately 98% of all clubs contributed to this campaign.

You may have seen some Kiwanians wearing a medallion with a purple and white ribbon around their necks. These Kiwanians are charter members of the Founder's Society of the Capital District Kiwanis Foundation. They have given or pledged $1,000 or more to help create an endowment fund within the District to help support each of your clubs' sponsored youth programs. The charter membership goal is a $200,000 fund raised through charitable gifts and estate planning requests. At present we have only reached $90,000. The Founders Society is similar to the Hixon, but is specific to the Capital District's sponsored youth.

There are two major areas in which the Foundation's money is distributed:

1. The first involves the Sponsored Youth groups sponsored by Kiwanis. This includes Circle K, Key Clubs, and Builders Clubs. Currently the Foundation provides Circle K with money to conduct administrative leadership conferences and additional funds to offset convention expenses, with Key Clubs being self-sufficient. Those of us who sponsor a Circle K, a Key Club, or a Builders Club, know the rewards of working with these future leaders and citizens who care about the world in which they live.
2. The second area, and the one that receives a great deal of attention, is the Supported Programs for Youth with special emphasis on programs that enhance our District's Young Children Priority One projects. Support Programs consist of the Matching Grant Program, Teenager of the Year, and the Pediatric Trauma Units at seven hospitals throughout Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

In the Matching Grant Project, the Capital District Kiwanis Foundation contributes $500 to the Kiwanis International Foundation Matching Grant Program for Key Clubs and Circle K. In return, the Kiwanis International Foundation honors one Capital District Key Clubber and one Circle K member with a $1,000 grant towards their higher education endeavors.
The number of grants permitted each year is determined by the District contribution, per member, to the International Annual Foundation Campaign.

The Teenager of the Year Program honors an outstanding student not only for good grades but also for his or her involvement in their community and willingness to give of themselves in terms of time and talent. This is a district wide program financed by the CDKF

Another major support program is the Pediatric Trauma Center Program. This was initiated several years ago and involved just one hospital, the Children's Hospital in Washington, D.C. The Capital District Kiwanis Foundation donated $1,000 to be used for the treatment of children with injuries from burns. Since then, six more hospitals have been added to the approved list and each receives equal shares from the Capital District Kiwanis Foundation fund-raisers. This year each hospital received approximately $3,200. The seven hospitals are:

1. Children's Hospital, National Medical Center, Washington, D.C
2. Johns Hopkins Children's Center, Baltimore, MD
3. Children's Medical Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
4. Children's Hospital of the Kings Daughters, Norfolk, VA
5. Children's Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
6. Children's Hospital at Community Hospital, Roanoke, VA
7. Medical Center of Delaware, Wilmington, DE

Kiwanians also support the Caring Corner. This is managed by a foundation committee chair who is responsible for the sale of arts and crafts and a silent auction. Proceeds are earmarked for the pediatric trauma centers.

The Ducky Derby is growing in popularity. Tickets are sold from February until the day of the Derby. Last year, 2007, a total of $9,020 was raised. If every Kiwanian in the District bought just one ticket, this could be tripled. In addition, each Division is asked to contribute prizes to enhance sales.

There are several endowment programs also available. All funds received are invested and only the income from these investments is used to support approved projects:

• The first endowment category is the Life Membership Program. This program honors Kiwanians who contribute $100 (or four installments of $25). Contributors receive a lapel pin, and a certificate with a ribbon.
• The Tablet of Honor is the highest recognition that a Kiwanian or club can bestow upon another person. It is a means of honoring an individual by contributing $1,000. The recipient receives a plaque and a lapel pin.
• We also receive financial support from Memorials (honoring a deceased member of a Kiwanis family); Honoree Contributions (made to honor an organization or a non-Kiwanian), Sustaining Member (a contribution of $25.00 a year for 4 consecutive years for a Kiwanian. The Kiwanians is then awarded a Life Membership), and Youth Outreach Projects (Clubs that do not sponsor a Key Club or Circle K can help with financial aid to those organizations).

All grant requests will be reviewed for consideration if the projects relate to the purpose and mission of the CDKF. This year one grant request for Augusta Dental Clinic for $2,500 was approved.

Finally, I remind each Kiwanian that you are the lifeblood of the Capital District Kiwanis Foundation. It is only with your participation and support that we can be the lifelines to our sponsored youth.

If additional information is required please visit our web-site or contact your CDKF Trustee.