|
By Kim Bedier, CFE
Some months ago we told you about the CHALLENGE
thrown out by this year’s IAAM President Jimmy Earl, CFE. He asked us all to
support the future of our industry by making a donation to the IAAM Foundation.
We are very pleased to report that many of you did just that. At the end of
fiscal year 2004-2005, March 31, the percentage of members giving to the
Foundation DOUBLED over the previous year. Thank you to the almost 400 of you
who generously supported the IAAM Foundation!
Jimmy says we are not done yet… and with the
start of the NEW fiscal year, we are re-upping the challenge. Remember it is not
the amount that counts, it is the intention that will help us reach the exalted
goal of 100% member giving. To get you motivated for the upcoming year, we offer
the following Tips for Giving Wisely (as advised by the National
Charities Information Bureau).
1. Budget for giving:
Plan your philanthropic activities right into your budget. IAAM makes it easy
for you to do so. For example, on your membership renewal you can make a
donation to the IAAM Foundation. There are also opportunities for giving at
Annual Conference, Specialty Meetings, District Meetings and other professional
development events.
2. Be an informed
giver:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you’re asked to give,
including the specific project the money will go toward. Our goal is to
continually inform you about the projects the IAAM Foundation supports, such as
the Academy for Venue Safety and Security, and Public Assembly Facility
Management: Principles and Practices college textbook. We want you to feel
comfortable that your dollars are going to support an organization you know and
believe in.
3. Keep the right
records:
You may already know that for gifts of less than $250, a canceled check is
sufficient for tax purposes. However, the IAAM Foundation always provides you
with a properly worded receipt as confirmation of your tax-deductible
contribution.
4. Be aware of how
much is really tax deductible:
If you receive a premium in exchange for your gift (such as an auction item) the
amount of your tax deduction is reduced by the fair market value of the item.
The IAAM Foundation is always happy to provide you with this information.
5. Ask about matching
gifts:
Many employers match gifts made by their employees or make grants to
organizations recommended by employees. Be sure to ask your company how it can
help your gift to the IAAM Foundation go even further.
6. Remember, your
gift can be confidential:
If you prefer to have your gift remain confidential, let us know and we will
honor your request. Otherwise we are very pleased to give you well-deserved
recognition and thanks.
7. Consider
alternative forms of giving:
Don’t overlook the benefits to the IAAM Foundation received from bequests, gifts
in kind and many other creative forms of giving. Diana Franzetti, the IAAM
Foundation’s Director of Donor Relations, is happy to help advise you to make
the best giving choices.
8. Volunteer!
In addition to financial support, giving of your time and skills may well be THE
best alternative form of giving. Not only will you help IAAM and the IAAM
Foundation, but you’ll also make contacts, hone your skills, and learn more
about the industry you love.
9. Don’t forget you
have the right to say no:
Give generously when you can, but if the IAAM Foundation simply falls outside
your current plan for giving, we understand. There will be many opportunities to
help us meet our mandate of Funding the Future.
10. Be a proactive
giver!
You don’t have to wait to be asked. You can click on www.iaam.org and send your
gift along at any time. Plan your annual giving strategy. Discuss with Diana
Franzetti how your gift can be most effectively used and how it can help make a
difference in your professional community.
A few final reminders: Remember to register for
Foundation Friday golf, this year being held at the beautiful Queenstown Harbor
course in Queenstown, Maryland. If you have not already done so, send in your
Silent Auction donation now, right now as soon as you finish reading this
article (see, we told you there are many ways to give proactively!).
And once again, thank you for your continued
support of the IAAM Foundation.
Kim Bedier, CFE is on the
board of trustees of th IAAM Foundation and serves as general Manager for the
Global Spectrum-managed Everett Events Center in Everett, Washington. She may be
contacted at
kbedier@everetteventscenter.com. |
Back to Facility Manager
Contents
