As we announced in College Steps last month, BLCI was the gracious beneficiary of a $25,000 challenge grant from the Brutten Family Fund of the San Diego Foundation - the Bruttens would match all donations to our endowment dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. That grant kick -started our endowment planning efforts that up until that point had just been discussion. We had only one year to raise the money and needed to ensure that, in pursuing contributions for the endowment, we didn’t displace donations that would otherwise help fund our annual expenses.
Board Chairman Peter Lewis had a solution -- he got married. On their wedding website, Peter and his soon-to-be wife Rachel encouraged guests to donate to BLCI instead of sending a gift. Furthermore, Peter and Rachel thought it would be more meaningful and lasting to have these donations directed towards BLCI’s endowment. We weren’t sure what to expect, but then the first check came in -- for $10,000. “Rachel and I think BLCI is a terrific organization, pursuing among the worthiest of causes. We considered donations to BLCI’s endowment, in lieu of more traditional wedding gifts, something that both we and are guests could feel very good about, both currently, and in the future. A contribution to an endowment is the gift that keeps on giving.”
While an endowment can ensure our long-term viability, we must be mindful of our shorter term needs. The donations we receive throughout the year are the lifeblood of BLCI, allowing us to keep our doors open and kids on the path to college. Peter and Rachel’s wedding provided an opportunity for donors to make a lasting contribution to the organization, and importantly, did not detract from our regular fundraising efforts. Gifts from their wedding totaled nearly $22,000. With an additional $5,000 pledge from board member Jim Cimino we have exceeded the $25,000 Brutten challenge grant and BLCI is proud to announce that we have now raised a $50,000 endowment!
Our hope is that through additional donations to BLCI’s endowment, we can grow it to a size where it can cover a large percentage of our annual operational costs. This would enable a small staff like ours to focus on what drew us to this line of work in the first place -- our students. We are grateful that Peter, Rachel, and their guests opted to leave a legacy in this unique way and we hope this story inspires you to be creative in the ways that you support your favorite nonprofit. Please consider making a gift to our endowment in addition to your annual support.
Please contact Diana Villegas if you need more information.