Support for The Arc’s daily operations would not be possible without the loyal contributions of caring individuals. Because of their consistent generosity, The Arc has enjoyed great success in funding guardianship, recreation, family support and other services for people with developmental disabilities.

But The Arc has long been convinced that the day will come when nonprofit groups will no longer be able to support themselves solely through traditional funding sources. That’s why, in 2002, The Arc began setting aside an amount each year to build an endowment.

An endowment fund maintains the major portion of the fund, while allowing an organization to use a pre-determined amount to fund needed supports that lack other funding sources. Today, the Arc's endowment includes both unrestricted funds which can be used at the Board’s discretion and restricted funds which are only used according to the donor’s original wishes.

The Arc recognized the importance of saving for the future when it established its endowment. While colleges and hospitals have long understood the wisdom behind building endowments, many organizations like The Arc have not. As a result, some groups have not been able to sustain themselves and continue their valuable work.

Today, many nonprofit organizations have come to recognize the critical nature of their respective missions. They now understand that the programming commitments they make today will create future financial obligations.

As more is learned in the coming years about new and improved services for people with disabilities, new challenges will also be identified. To help ensure that The Arc is ready to meet those challenges, its board of directors has created The Arc’s endowment to cover the costs of future programs.

The caring individuals who help The Arc continue its crucial daily work are also helping to establish The Arc as an organization poised to carry on in supporting people with disabilities for as long as it is needed. The Arc’s educational, legal and program support efforts have positively affected the lives of hundreds of people. With the help of The Arc’s endowment, hundreds more will benefit in the future.

Thanks to the support of our caring and generous donors, The Arc of Schuyler County has focused on developing an array of support services so people with disabilities and their families have choices and the ability to fulfill their dreams for the future. Since being Chartered in 1978, The Arc has grown in size and distinction from a small sheltered workshop to offering 24 hour residential, treatment, and family support services. But there has been a price with this growth and success. Vital programs that significantly impact each person's daily lives are seriously threatened each year by the pressures of governments ballooning budgets and more and more stringent regulations. Regulations have the dual effect of providing quality oversight but also excluding people who need services due technicalities of the paperwork trail. In addition, there are many services provided by The Arc that are not government funded. Recreation, prevention education, disability advocacy, guardianship, pro-bono services for those waiting for disability determinations, and professional development for our most valuable asset, our direct support staff who work so closely with the people we are here to serve every day, are just some examples. Faced with these challenges, The Arc of Schuyler's Board of Directors has unanimously agreed to act now to ensure the Legacy started by that group of parents in 1978 that started our local Chapter continues for future generations but establishing an endowment fund.

Endowment Questions & Answers

What is an endowment?

Endowment money is money that is held forever in trust to support The Arc of Schuyler's programs and services. Interest earned on the principal can be withdrawn to support Chapter activities, as designated by the donor or the Board of Directors.

Why have an endowment?

We believe that programs and services of The Arc must be provided for the long term. Individuals with developmental disabilities and their families will always need certain supports and services at different stages in their lives. Therefore, we must find a way to provide dollars for the long term to support these programs and services.

How does the endowment help the people we support?

Endowment is a resource The Arc can rely on year after year. It will always be there, through good times and bad. That means people who need our services can be insulated from decreases in funding during downturns in the economy, changes in Medicaid or state reimbursement systems and other pressures created by an uncertain healthcare climate. It will also help establish or support special programs which are not funded by public sources.

How can I contribute to the endowment?

You can make your tax-deductible gift in cash, as well as through bequests, appreciated stocks, bonds, real estate, life insurance, trusts and gift annuities. Your contribution can be a single one time gift, or spread out over a five year period. The Arc can provide advice on planned gifts and help you learn more about the tax and income benefits to you and your family. You can support the endowment with a named gift or a tribute gift made to honor or memorialize a friend or loved one.

How much should I pledge to the endowment?

Only you can decide how much to give. Your contribution should be based on your ability to give and your belief in the mission of The Arc and its importance to the community.

Can the endowment support specific purposes?

Within the overall endowment, there are individual funds that can be directed for specific purposes. These include Professional Development, Vocational Services, Recreation, Guardianship, Prevention and Disability Advocacy, or Unrestricted.

How is the money managed?

Professional fund managers will generate a maximum, safe return for The Arc of Schuyler under the guidance of the Board of Directors and Finance Committee.

Is there someone available to assist me if I am interested in making a planned gift?

Yes. Contact James E. Wilson, Executive Director of The Arc of Schuyler at 607-535-6934, or by traditional mail at 203 Twelfth Street, Watkins Glen NY 14891.