What is the Endowment Fund?

The Endowment Fund is the long-term investment vehicle for USOF.  Funds from lifetime memberships are invested by the Fund and a portion of the returns are distributed back to USOF each year to help with operating expenses.  Other donations earmarked for the Endowment Fund are also invested to provide for long-term growth and generate income to benefit USOF activities.

How has the Fund performed so far?

The Fund was created in January, 2002, with $52,070 from USOF, which represented the accumulated monies and interest from lifetime memberships to that point.

As of June, 2007, the Fund surpassed the $100,000 mark in total assets.  With investment returns of 19.4% for the year, along with new contributions, the Endowment Fund now stands at $105,106. This growth means that the Endowment Fund has doubled in size since it was started.

The Endowment Fund returns four percent of its total assets to USOF each year to support USOF operations. As the result of the Fund's growth over the past five and a half years, currently more than $3,000 is available each year for this transfer.

What are the future plans for the Fund?

Over the long term, the goal of the Endowment Fund is to grow significantly through increased donations and investment returns.  These monies can then be used to provide a sizeable amount to USOF on an annual basis to support annual expenses.

Why should I donate?

Funds are directly used to support U.S. orienteering activities.  There are no large fundraising or overhead costs that reduce your intended gift.

Possible tax benefits:  You may be entitled to an itemized deduction for your charitable contribution of cash.  The donation of a stock holding can give you a deduction for the entire appreciated value while avoiding capital gains taxes. Tremendous tax benefits can result from taking the time to carefully plan your charitable gifts.

Help secure the long-term financial stability of U.S. orienteering and its programs

Provide your lasting legacy for the sport that has given you and your family a lifetime of great memories and friendships

How do I donate?

Contributions to the Endowment Fund may be sent payable to USOF, P.O. Box 1444, Forest Park, GA 30298.  Please specify that your contribution is for the Endowment Fund.

How do I donate stocks or bonds?

To ensure you receive all of the financial benefits of donating securities, please consult with your tax advisor.  You may also contact Mike Ball on the Endowment Fund Board with any questions or requests for additional information.

How do I find out more about the Fund?

You can contact any of the Fund Directors listed below for additional information.  Annual reports for the Fund are also available.

2007 Annual Report
2006 Annual Report
2005 Annual Report
2004 Annual Report
2003 Annual Report

Officers:

e-mails: • Michael Ball—mcball [at] paonline.com • Tom Overbaugh—toverbaugh [at] aol.com • Steve Fluegel—fluegelstephen [at] sbcglobal.net • Chuck Ferguson—usofrnr [at] cox.net • Tim Parson—tparson [at] bcdschool.org • Mikell Platt—mikell [at] wyoming.com • Catherine Yekenevicz—cycpa [at] att.net Last update: June 4, 2008 Back to USOF Home

Photo credits: family pictures by Julie Keim, all others by Eddie Bergeron