The Learning Tree Farm - Annual Giving Program & Gifts<title> </head> <body text="#000000" vlink="#663333" alink="#663333" link="#663333" bgcolor="#ffffff"><a href="http://www.learningtreefarm.org/"><img alt="" src="images/logo-small.jpg" align="top"></a> <center><b><font color="#4682b4" size="+2">Annual Giving Program & Gifts</font> </b></center><br> <center><b><font size="+1">Annual Giving Program</font></b> <br> Frequently Asked Questions about the Learning Tree Farm Annual Giving Program</center> <p> The Learning Tree Farm Annual Giving Program is an effort to provide vital funds for the Farm’s annual operating budget. Support for the Annual Giving Program comes from two major sources: the <b>Annual Fund</b> and <b>Annual Traditions.</b> <p> <b>What is the Annual Fund?</b> <br> Gifts to the Annual Fund benefit virtually every aspect of life at Learning Tree Farm: from providing funds toward financial support for all students, helping to compensate our talented, professional staff , purchasing program supplies, hiring actors for various programs, up-dating equipment, and the maintenance of Century House and other buildings, plus our sixty acres. Most gifts to the Annual Fund are unrestricted, which means that the donor permits the Farm to determine the areas of the budget that are most in need of funding. Gifts that are restricted (at the request of the donor) to a specific item in the annual operating budget (i.e., student financial assistance or animal support) are also included in the Annual Fund. <p> <b>Don’t admissions cover all of Farm’s annual operating expenses?</b> <br> No. To allow as many visitors as possible to come to the Farm, admission costs are kept low. Admissions at Learning Tree Farm covers only about 20% of the Farm’s annual expenses. The remaining 80% must be made up from other sources. Non-profits generally rely upon gifts, foundation grants, and endowment income in addition to admission revenue to meet annual operating expenses. <p> <b>What are the major components of the annual operating budget?</b> <br> The annual operating budget provides support for student visitors who attend the programs, food and care of the animals, equipment, utilities, insurance, maintenance, other general operating expenses, and salaries. <p> <b>Who supports the Annual Fund?</b> <br> Dedicated friends of the Farm who believe in our mission, support our ideals, and recognize the value of Learning Tree Farm all contribute to the Annual Fund. <p> <b>Do corporations support the Annual Fund?</b> <br> Typically, corporations contribute to non profits by matching their employees’ gifts. Learning Tree Farm is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so you may be able to double or even triple the size of your gift by submitting the appropriate matching gift form (available from your employer) along with your contribution. <p> <b>What about foundations?</b> <br> Foundations from throughout the Miami Valley and greater Cincinnati contribute to the support of Learning Tree Farm. Generally, foundations contribute restricted funds for specific projects. The continuation of foundation grants and gifts for Learning Tree Farm is strengthened by evidence of broad participation in the Annual Fund, another reason why participation in the Annual Fund truly does matter. <p> <b>How can I make my gift to the Annual Fund?</b> <br> You can make an outright gift at any time. Learning Tree Farm accepts gifts of cash and marketable securities. For additional details, call Patricia Rau, Executive Director at 937-866-8650. <p> <b>What are the Annual Traditions?</b> <br> Learning Tree Farm has two special events each year to help raise funds for the annual operating budget. In late February to coincide with the establishment of the Farm, friends of the Farm and other members of the community are invited to attend the Antiques Appraisal. Then, in October to coincide with the date Learning Tree Farm was incorporated, Autumn Fest is held. These traditions are organized and run by staff, the Board of Trustees, and volunteers with support from generous suppliers. During these times, our friends come together for fun and also to provide essential annual support of the Farm’s budget. <p> <b>How much should I give to the Annual Fund?</b> <br> Only you can determine that, but please be as generous as possible. It is our hope that every old friend and new friend of Learning Tree Farm will choose to participate in the Annual Giving Program. Every gift is important. <p> If you have any questions about the Learning Tree Farm Annual Giving Program or other fundraising initiatives, please contact Patricia Rau, Executive Director, at 937-866-8650. <p> Contributions and gifts to Learning Tree Farm are tax-deductable. <p> Thank you for your generous support! <p><p> <center><b><font size="+1">Gifts to Learning Tree Farm</font></b></center> <br> <ul> <li>The General Fund provides for the day-to-day operations. <li>In addition, there are a number of Special Funds dedicated to specific purposes and one or more may be of particular interest to you. <li>Finally, The Arbor Society Of Learning Tree Farm provides an opportunity to remember the Farm with a gift in your will or estate plan. </ul> <p> <b>Special Funds</b> <p> <b>Scholarship Fund</b> - To ensure that programs are available to all students, this fund was created. This fund makes scholarships and transportation opportunities available to all children. <p> <b>Support the Animals Fund</b> - This fund supports the year round care and feeding of the many animal that provide visitors with a chance to be close to these special ambassadors of farm life. <p> <b>Historic Preservation Fund</b> - True to the mission of the Farm, we seek historic farm tools, implements, equipment, pictures, deeds, from the 1800’s era to keep our décor authentic. Gifts to this fund enable the purchase of genuine artifacts. <p> <b>Buildings & Grounds Fund</b> - Our visitors enjoy a wonderful farm in a picturesque setting. This fund helps cover the cost of maintaining and beautifying the Farm. Your gift will be appreciated in every season throughout the year and used for buildings and grounds maintenance, plus trees, shrubs, banners. flowers and special beautification projects. <p> <b>Memorial Fund</b> - Loved ones who had a special interest in Learning Tree Farm, the outdoors, nature, or the environment can be remembered far into the future with this fund. Learning Tree Farm commits to future generations by supporting events that sustain and enrich the many facets of farm life. <p> <b>Endowment Fund</b> - The purpose of the Learning Tree Farm Endowment is to provide additional resources for the Farm in accordance with its mission. The interest on these resources is generally used to supplement our normal operating expenses and to enhance various programs. <p> <b>The Arbor Society Of Learning Tree Farm</b> <br> A Planned Gift to Learning Tree Farm is a bequest for the Farm in your will, estate plan or by another method. Planned Giving supports the work of the Farm far into the future. <p> If you have any questions about Gifts to Learning Tree Farm or other fundraising initiatives, please contact Patricia Rau, Executive Director, at 937-866-8650. <p> Contributions and gifts to Learning Tree Farm are tax-deductable. <p> Thank you for your generous support! <p><p> <center><font size="-1">© Learning Tree Farm. All Rights Reserved.</font> <center> </center></center> </body> </html>