ENDOWING YOUR GIFT

What does endowing your gift mean? It means making your gift last forever.

For example, take an annual gift of $1,500. How much would it take to endow the gift so that a charitable organization could receive that amount indefinitely? Since the majority of nonprofits’ policy for spending endowment income is 5% annually, simply divide the annual gift amount of $1,500 by 5% and you get $30,000. Consequently, making an endowment gift of $30,000 can continue the $1,500 annual gift indefinitely. In other words, give a little now and make the gift last forever, in perpetuity.

Endowing your gift is a way for you to play a special part in perpetuating a cause that means a lot to you and will provide a steady dependable source of income to Michigan Opera Theatre. With a significant endowment, MOT will be able to expand its repertoire, develop new productions, fund programs at the Ford Center for Arts and Learning, and continue the company’s rich tradition of featuring minority artists, works and productions. In addition, as this fund grows, we will be able to receive larger annual distributions to help with our general operations. Consequently, you help us ensure the future and support the present at the same time with your gifts.

You may contribute to the Unrestricted General Endowment Fund at MOT at any level, or set up a specific Named Endowment Fund for the purpose of your choice. Setting up an endowment could be the most farsighted and enduring act of your lifetime!

If you have questions about estate planning, planned giving and endowment, please do not hesitate to call Kim-Lan Trinh, Associate Director, Planned Giving and Major Gifts, at (313) 237-3408 or email her at ktrinh@motopera.org.