- Why would one donate to Wamego Community Foundation?
As government funding decreases, communities must work together to take care of their own needs. Thus, Wamego Community Foundation was created in 1998 to provide a way “to give through” in order for Wamego to remain one of the best hometowns in America.
Wamego Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation that exists to offer donors an opportunity to retain wealth in the community in order to support local charitable and community projects! This is often wealth that would otherwise be taxed away. Generally, donations are fully tax deductible.
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Should you support your favorite cause through Wamego Community Foundation?
Consult your estate planner, tax accountant or attorney to make certain it makes sense for you to donate through the Foundation. You may wish to donate through the Community Foundation in order to:
- Who can make donations through
Wamego Community Foundation?
The Foundation accepts donations from the following:
- What types of funds does Wamego Community Foundation manage?
The Foundation currently manages seven types
of funds.
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Can I establish my own fund?
Sure you can. Read about establishing a fund or contact us for additional information.
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Can I give the Foundation stocks?
Yes. Read about the various ways to give or contact us for additional information.
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Can I name Wamego Community
Foundation as a beneficiary of life insurance?
Yes. Read how to name WCF as a beneficiary or contact us for additional information.
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What are some current opportunities available to donors?
Current Funds managed by the Foundation include the following:
- What are some strategies used by Wamego Community Foundation for increasing funds?
Auction: The Foundation periodically organizes and sponsors a fundraising auction. Proceeds may be designated by the donor or used for the Foundation’s Administrative Fund. The Foundation has also created the Warehouse with various items for sale. Donors can give items throughout the year, which will then be sold for cash to be added to Foundation Funds.
Individual Solicitations: Committee members contact potential donors throughout the year to inform them of the benefits of contributing to the Foundation and/or any of its active funds. Under some circumstances potential donors may also establish their own funds.
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Whom do I contact about donating items to the Foundation?
Contact us directly about donations.
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Can I give a cash donation to the Foundation, and how do I find out where my money goes?
Yes, a cash donation
form 
is
available online.
Also
read online about ways
to give or contact
us for additional information.
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How are memorials or estate gifts designated for community projects?
Simply contact us, and we will help you with planning your charitable donation.
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How are Wamego Community Foundation board members chosen?
Recommendations are given from current board members
and community advisors. Those interested in serving may
complete an application
form . The information provided will be reviewed
and used by a nominating committee to determine recommendations
for Wamego Community Foundation.
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Whom do I contact if I want to be a board member or a community advisor?
Download and complete an application
form , e-mail us or
call the Foundation at (785) 456-8444.
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How long does a board member or community advisor serve?
Each director is elected for a term of three (3) years to begin the January 1, following election. A director may serve two consecutive terms. Term expirations are staggered to allow for continuity of operations. After one year, a past director is eligible to be re-elected. Community advisors have no term limits.
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What are the duties of Wamego Community Foundation officers?
Chairperson: Presides at all meetings of the directors. Serves as ex-officio member of all committees, and appoints standing committees.
Vice Chairperson: Performs Chairperson’s duties in Chairperson’s absence.
Secretary: Keeps minutes of meetings, gives notice of meetings, serves as custodian of corporate records, and maintains register of members and addresses.
Treasurer: Responsible for all funds, deposits money, carries out directions of investment committee, and prepares reports.
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What are the duties of the standing committees?
Nominating and Board Development
- Consists of at least 5 directors and/or community advisors appointed by the chairperson.
- Duties: Recommends committee appointments to Chairperson; provides orientation for new board members; plans board retreats.
Grants and Distributions
- Consists of at least 3 people appointed by the Chairperson.
- Duties: Recommends effective and visible grants to benefit the community and selects scholarship recipients. Members of the community at large may serve on the committee.
Public Awareness
- Consists of at least 3 people appointed by the Chairperson.
- Duties: Positions the Foundation to be widely recognized as a community asset designed to encourage philanthropy in the community. Members of the community at large may serve on the committee.
Investment and Finance
- Consists of at least 3 people appointed by the Chairperson.
- Duties: Provides for investment of funds to achieve a competitive return with preservation of capital being the major concern. Members of the community at large may serve on the committee.
Fund Development and Fund Raising
- Consists of at least 5 people appointed by the Chairperson.
- Duties: Seeks to develop and increase gifts. The Committee is primarily responsible for developing and implementing fundraising activities on behalf of the Foundation. Members of the community at large may serve on the committee.
However, every board member and community advisor of the Foundation has a responsibility for raising funds throughout the year as well as acting as ambassadors for Wamego Community Foundation.
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Can I get involved in the Foundation and its activities without being a board member or community advisor?
Yes!! The Foundation’s board and advisors consist of community volunteers that work very hard solely for the benefit of encouraging investment in improving and maintaining Wamego and the surrounding area. Please contact us if you are interested in helping with a project such as the warehouse, auction, scholarship luncheon, archive research, fundraisers, etc.
